Dual Boot, Vista Ult SP1, Win 7 RCI have a 14.9 GB Directory of Downloaded files in my Public Directory on my Vista partition. I would like to share those files with the other 5 computers on my wireless network, even when the computer is booted to Win 7. Nothing I do, include changing shared permissions in both Vista and Win 7 will allow me to share this directory when I'm in Win 7. If I attempt to change permissions in Win 7, the directory remains locked and while other computers can see the directory,they are not allowed to open it.I even tried puting a shortcut to the directory in my Win 7 Public Downloads directory. Didn't work. It will share the shortcut, it won't share the Vista Directory.I realizeI could copy the directory over to Win 7, but myWin 7 partition sizeis only 40 GB, and I would fill it.

It's been about 38 hours since I posted this question, so I think it is about time to "bump" it. Perhaps some fresh eyes might have an answer.

I have a setup somewhat similar to yours and I worked around the problem in this way: 1.) Ensure the both Vista and 7 are in the same workgroup. 2.) Take ownership of the shared folder (and all sub-folders, etc.) and set your security settings as desired. 3.) Now share with your homegroup. I think Windows 7 wants to have exclusive control of all devices on the machine.

RCoover: Did MythicalMe's tip work for you? -Nick

I'm sorry, I should have answered earlier. Having attempted to do exactly as instructed, and other things, too, I have concluded that sharing of the Vista's Public folder is not possible when the computer is running Win 7 - just one of the disadvantages of dual boot.

Ok, so you were trying to share public files from Windows Vista while running Windows 7, maybe that wasn't clear to everyone. If they are public in an operating system that is not running it is not likely to work.