Today we will look at the steps to share files and hardware devices like a printer.

First ensure both machines are members of the same Workgroup which by default is named Workgroup.

If you want any user to have dive into the public shares turn off password protection.

Share Files and Printers between Windows 7 and XP

This is located in Advanced Sharing parameters toward the bottom of the list.

Next double choose “Customize your printer”.

To find the shared folders and devices double choose the Windows 7 machine icon under web link.

network and sharing

Double opt for Share folder to find a list of shared folders in the Public folder on Windows 7.

Now select “A connection printer, or a printer attached to another computer” then hit Next.

Now click Yes to the confirmation message.

advanced

Then click Finish the printer to install and complete the Wizard.

When everything is installed open up Printers and Faxes to find the shared printer.

This should help you get started with sharing your files and other devices with your Windows 7 machine.

home or work settings

If you have had any experiences with sharing between Windows 7 and XP leave us a comment!

turn off pw

create pw

Explorer

devices

1 Printer

2 printer share

3 Printer add drivers

shared device and users

xpshare

My Network Places

folders

add Printer

network option

print

confirm msg

Complete

in explorer