My vista desktop cant connect to xp desktop?

Question

I can find the xp computer through connected devices but i cant access the computer, it just says "windows cannot access

\\win xp (i put win xp instead of real computer name) and on the xp computer i cant even find my vista pc.

Please can someone help me.

Answer 1

In the Network and Sharing Center on the Vista Desktop make sure that the network has been says (Private network) next to it if it does not change it by clicking Customize and selecting Private

Answer 2

Use the IP address of the computer instead of the name.

Answer 3

For the computers to both have internet access, they need to be connected to the router.

You probably have already gotten that far.

For the computers to "see" each other, you need to complete the Network set-up, map the drives, and share the files.

Here are complete instructions for File Sharing:

To share files you will need to be using the SAME File System like FAT or NTFS all computers for your network.

To open your computer over the network for specific users to access.

1. Go to START > Control Panel > Windows Firewall >

Tab General select ON >

then on tab EXCEPTIONS > ALLOW file and print sharing on port 80.

2. All users should be Networked to join the same WORKGROUP with exact name spelling

Example: OURGROUPNAME

3. Then the computer(s) that want to share files

will map their drives for the other computers to access.

each computer will get a different mapped drive letter

like Z, Y, X etc.

(*)How to Map your drive is at link below.

4.  Also in MyNetwork Neighborhood you need to run the wizard, on each computer, and have each computer’s name available.  After running the wizard on computer 1, you will need a source to copy the information over

such as a floppy disk, or a removable flash drive, to transfer the information to the other computers.

5. Then on each computer, in Network Neighborhood

create a folder named SHARED DOCS

and then for every file you want to share

RIGHT-click/drag/copy the file into the Shared Docs folder

OR

IF you want to share the entire drive C on the PC (NOT recommended)

or other sub folder (recommended)

right click that folder > select Sharing and Security>

share this folder

6.  After file sharing is configured on both computers you should be able to access files easily.

The path I use to view files on my other computer is

Right Click START > left Click Explore >

scroll down to MyNetwork Neighborhood > and open the Workgroup folder >

find the mapped drive to the other computer and double click >

wait a few seconds and it will display all of the shared files on the other computer.

*For additional information and instructions

go to

Right click START > left click EXPLORE >

Go to Explore toolbar click HELP

then INDEX > type in Networking

^j^

Answer 4

Are you on the same network?

Are you in the same domain(if you have one, which is doubtful)?

Are you in the same workgroup?

Is file/services sharing on?

What is your network topology?

Answer 5

Ahhh - Vista!!! - the bane of the home network!!!!

Because MS loves you, they designed Vista so that it was not compatible with older operating systems, even their own XP.

A great cry was raised, and in the end MS bowed to the pressure and designed a little utility to install on XP systems so they could come in from the cold and play with Vista.

Use the link below to get started in your quest. You will have to install the utility and then follow the instructions to reach your goal

Answer 6

Have you setup networking on both systems?  On the XP box, Click on the Network Setup Wizard in the Control Panel.  Click Next, Next, Next and then enter your computer's name and then another Next.  Enter a name for your workgroup. You'll use the same name for the Vista system where its called Network name instead. Click Next and then select Turn On File and Printer Sharing Click Next.. follow the defaults until the end.  Click on Just Finish and then Reboot for good measure.

On the Vista box, you have to change the network name (Workgroup) to the same name as  your Xp and then turn on file/printer sharing.

Click on the Network and Sharing Center control panel and then click on the Customize link on the right hand side.  Change the Network Name to the XP's workgroup name.   Click Next and finish.

In the Sharing and Discovery Area, turn everything on.  You can adjust it later and Reboot.

You should be able to see shares from both computers now.

JohnTrotter... Please stop giving that poor advice.  Its not true.