One issue those running XP and Vista systems on the same network might have is being unable to see the computers running Vista from the XP computers. If this happens, the first thing to check is the workgroup name that is being used on the XP computer and make sure the same workgroup name being used on the Vista computers. Here is how you check the workgroup name in Windows XP and in Vista:
On the Windows XP Computer:
- From the Start Menu select Control Panel
- In the Control Panel select Performance and Maintenance, and then click System.
- Click the tab for Computer name. here you will see the workgroup name. Use the change button to use another workgroup name.
On the Vista Computer:
- From the Start Orb select Control Panel
- In the Control Panel choose System and Maintenance then select System.
- Under the Computer name, domain and workgroup settings you will see the Workgroup name. It can be changed by clicking the Change Settings link.
Even if you use the default workgroup names rather than choosing your own, the default name in XP is not the same as the default name in Vista. Once you have set the workgroup names the same on both XP and Vista systems you should then be able to see the network Vista computers from your Windows XP system.