How can my Windows XP computer join my Windows 7 laptop's HomeGroup?
2 Answers
See this Microsoft article :
Windows 7 & HomeGroup: Sharing with Windows XP, Windows Vista, and other operating systems.
In short, only Win7 computers can fully join in the HomeGroup, but the network is still usable from XP in the classical way, through "My Network Places" -> "View workgroup computers", double-click the computer you want to access and enter the credentials when asked.
You should first ensure that the Link Layer Topology Discovery (LLTD) is installed on the XP computer, as described here.
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Well, I made that from Windows XP I can see Windows 7 but from Windows 7 I can't see Windows XP, any solutions?– TemplarApr 18, 2011 at 16:41
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In the above paper, see the chapter "Sharing with Windows 7 from Windows XP or Windows Vista" page 25.– harrymcApr 18, 2011 at 18:11
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It was router problem, but now I want ask about printer, if it's connected to Windows XP, why I need that printer's driver on my Windows 7? (asking because I couldn't finder drivers for Windows 7)– TemplarApr 19, 2011 at 12:15
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The printer driver is used to generate the print job on the originating machine, so you need it on both sides. The simplest way is to connect the printer directly to 7 temporarily by cable/usb and let it install the driver.– harrymcApr 19, 2011 at 14:13
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It doesn't work, and I couldn't find drivers for Windows 7 for HP Laserjet 1000 on their site– TemplarApr 19, 2011 at 14:26
It can't. Homegroups are only supported in Windows 7. They can, however share files and printers using good old networking.