I have a small home network 2 windows 7 PCs and an XP PC When I try to link to the network the XP asks for the group name and win 7 doesn't use a group name. I can get to the Internet with out a problem but can't share the printer that is connected to the router or files on the other PCs. How do I fix it so I can share the printer and files? 1 person needs an answerI do too

Maybe this can Help.---------------------The following looks like a long story (it is only 600 words). I do not know what the user's overall knowledge is, and what exactly was already done. Thus the info goes through the motions of configuring and checking most of the common aspects of Windows OS' LAN features.---------------------- Win7 when configured on peer-to-peer Network has three types of Sharing configurations.HomeGroup Network = Works only between Win 7 computers. This type of configuration makes it very easy to Entry Level Users to start Network sharing. Work Network = Basically similar to the previous methods of sharing that let you control what, how, and to whom folders would be shared with. Public Sharing = Public Network (like Internet cafe) to reduce security risks. For best results log to each computer's System Screen and set all the computers to be on a Network with the same name while each computer has its own unique name.http://www.ezlan.net/Win7/net_name.jpgMake sure that the Software Firewall on each computer allows free local traffic. If you use 3rd party Firewall On, Vista/XP Native Firewall should be Off, and the active Firewall has to adjusted to your Network IP numbers on what is some time called the Trusted Zone (consult your 3rd Party Firewall instructionsGeneral example, http://www.ezlan.net/faq.html#trustedPlease Note that some 3rd party Software Firewalls keep blocking aspects of Local Traffic even it they are turned Off (disabled). If possible configure the Firewall correctly, or totally uninstall it to allow clean flow of local network traffic. If the 3rd party software is uninstalled or disables, make sure that Windows native Firewall is On .------------------------------Networking Win 7 with other version of Windows as Work Network.In the Network Center, clicking on the Network type opens the window to the right.Choose your type of Network. Notice the check mark at the bottom, and check/uncheck it according to your needs.http://www.ezlan.net/Win7/net_type.jpgWin 7 - http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Networking-home-computers-running-different-versions-of-WindowsWin 7 Work Network specific folder sharing - http://www.onecomputerguy.com/windows7/windows7_sharing.htm Vista File and Printer Sharing- http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037.aspx Windows XP File Sharing - http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;304040Printer Sharing XP - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/expert/honeycutt_july2.mspxWindows Native Firewall setting for Sharing XP - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875357Windows XP patch for Sharing with Vista (Not need for XP-SP3) - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922120 When finished with the setting of the system it is advisable to Reboot all the hardware including the Router and all computers involved.-------------If you have Permission and Security issues, check the following settings.Point to the a Folder that meant to to be share. Right click and choose properties.In the propertiesClick on the Security tab shown in the pic bellow to the right) and check that the users and their permission (shown in the pic bellow center and left) are correctly configured. Then do the same to the Permission tab.This screen shot is from Win 7, Vista's menus are similar.http://www.ezlan.net/Win7/Permission-Security.jpgIn both the Security panel, and the Permission panel you have to highlight each User/Group and examine that the Permission Controls are checked correctly.When everything is OK, Reboot the Network (Router, and computer).* Note . The Groups and Users shown in the screen-shoot are just an example. Your list will look the way your system is configured.**Note . You have to establish specific users. Everyone means all of the users that already have an account and been established as users. It does not mean Everyone that feel that they would like to login.---------------------***Note. Some of the processes described above are done Not for Windows sake but to compensate for different Routers and the way their firmware works and stores the info about the computers that are Networked. Jack-MVP Windows Networking. WWW.EZLAN.NET