networking Windows 7 to XP weird issue

[dbarton]

XP machine called "t2"

In Windows 7 machine when I go to the network page, it doesn't show the XP machine at all.

If I type \\t2 directly in the command window, the network center opens and I can see t2. I can even map drives this way.

If I try to browse to map a drive, that XP machine is never shown. It will only work if I type that \\t2 name directly.

Any ideas?

 

[JackMDS]

Make sure that the Software Firewall on each computer allows free local traffic.

General example, http://www.ezlan.net/faq#trusted

Windows 7 Work Network, http://www.onecomputerguy.com/windows7/windows7_sharing.htm

Windows XP File Sharing - http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;304040

Windows Native Firewall setting for Sharing XP - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875357

 

[dbarton]

I can connect with VNC, and I can map drives and copy files, so it seems like it's all ok with firewall and permissions. The two XP machines on the network can see each other.

It's just that the XP machines aren't listed when I try to browse from the w7 machine.

(By the way, your top link is broken)

 

[JackMDS]

Yeah, I guess that spending 10 Min. to check the Sharing is too Hard.

VNC connects to the Computer as a Whole Not Directly to the File System.

 

[dbarton]

Yeah, I guess that spending 10 Min. to check the Sharing is too Hard.

VNC connects to the Computer as a Whole Not Directly to the File System.

Not sure what you mean - I checked the sharing. The two XP machines see each other and can get to files.

 

[JackMDS]

http://www.7tutorials.com/sharing-between-windows-xp-and-windows-7-computers

 

[azazel1024]

Network mapping is always funky. More likely than not, you are simply having issues with NETBIOS and/or master browser election issues.

That or possibly one or more machines are not set for network discovery.

I never rely on network mapping, I just use the machine name or the IP address when mapping network drives.

 

[dbarton]

Oddly, after leaving them on for a while, they magically see each other now.

 

[Emulex]

This is caused by broadcast reaching the PC.

If you can assign a static IP behind the firewall you can rather quickly access the pc using \\ip.address.of.pc

rather than the netbios name.

Or use DNS if you have active directory or a linux dns server handy!