Is there any way to enable file shares with legacy devices using MS-RAP other than the very cumbersome XP-mode? The problem is that file sharing cannot handle the login restriction which occurs with Win 7. Is it not possible to issue an optional update to allow legacy devices normal file share access (as with Xp and Vista)?

Hi, Based on my research, the MS-RAP protocol is not supported in Windows 7: Member Protocol Roles Beginning with Windows 7, [MS-RAP] is no longer enabled for these methods Regarding Windows XP Mode for Windows 7, its role is to focus on compatibility issue. So, it should be a good workaround. Alex Zhao Please remember to click Mark as Answer on the post that helps you, and to click Unmark as Answer if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.

Thanks. But I don't consider running a virtual PC on a virtual disc as an adequate solution. In fact, someone running Win7 under VMware would be in the ridiculous position of having to run a virtual OS on a virtual OS to get file sharing! Surely an OPTIONAL update for Win7 could re-establish the RAP facility?

Bump! Any chance that somebody at Microsoft could give a reasoned answer about this problem ? Or is it just consigned to the pile of 'brush off' answers?

I have spent hours on this - finally I relented and set about installing xp-mode ... only to discover that it requires gigabytes of disc space which I don't have (on my dual boot system). Secondly, the installation and configuration is way too complicated for non-expert users. Thirdly, the xp-mode appears to be limited to Enterprise, Professional and Ultimate editions. Thus effectively disabling media shares for many users - especially anyone who upgrades from previous versions or purchases a new OS. How difficult can MS make this? It's a widespread issue (across numerous forums) - and could be solved by a patch. Why not? Some considered reply (rather than studied silence) would be welcome. I notice that the detailed monitor information provided by Zahni in http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7itpronetworking/thread/c935bca7-9d4d-4bc6-8d1b-c0c882a649b0 on this same issue was effectively left unanswered also.