Windows Vista Network security issues

[Spainwalker]

My new 7 machine has a network security problem. I can not view the folders that are authorized on a network Vista machine but that machine can see the entire C drive on the 7 machine. The 7 machine can access the printer that is on the Vista machine as well as the network printer. The 7 network access st;uff is different than Vista or XP and I am not sure how to set it to be closed except for those folders I choose to open and how to get it to access the share folders on other machines.

If I look at the network configuration it also seems wrong. 7 configures itself when you connect to the network by Ethernet. In the schematic the 7 machine is shown connecting through the Vista machine when in reality they are connected in parallel into the router.

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like you are facing network sharing and security issues with your Windows 7 machine in relation to the Vista machine. Let's address each of your concerns step by step:

Folder Viewing and Access:​

1. Shared Folders: To view folders on the Vista machine from your Windows 7 machine, ensure that the appropriate folders on the Vista machine are shared with the correct permissions.
2. Network Sharing: Make sure network discovery and file sharing are enabled on both machines. You can adjust these settings by going to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings.
3. Firewall Settings: Check the firewall settings on both machines. Ensure that exceptions are added for File and Printer Sharing in the Windows firewall settings.

   Network Configuration:​

4. Network Setup: Check the network setup on both machines to ensure they are on the same workgroup. You can change the workgroup settings by right-clicking on "Computer" > Properties > Advanced system settings > Computer Name.
5. Connection to Router: If the network diagram shows an inaccurate connection path (via the Vista machine), it might be a network mapping issue. Verify the actual connections from both machines to the router to ensure they are both connected directly.

   Network Security:​

6. Securing Folders: You can secure your shared folders by setting specific permissions. Right-click on the folder, go to "Properties" > "Sharing" > "Advanced Sharing" > "Permissions" to set the desired access levels.
7. User Accounts: Ensure that the user accounts on both machines have appropriate permissions to access shared resources. You may need to create accounts with the same credentials on both machines for seamless access. To summarize:
   • Confirm folder sharing settings and permissions on both machines.
   • Verify network discovery and file sharing settings.
   • Check firewall and antivirus settings for any restrictions.
   • Ensure both machines are in the same workgroup.
   • Double-check the physical network connections to the router.
   By addressing these points, you should be able to improve network security and access between your Windows 7 and Vista machines. If you encounter any specific issues during these steps, feel free to provide more details for further assistance.