How to Access Windows PCs on the Network

macosNetworkwindows

How can I access Windows PCs from my Mac, and vice-versa, on the same network. I need to transfer files back and forth, and I can't seem to figure out how to do it. I poked around the settings, added the MacBook to the workgroup and all, but the computers still can't see each other. Right now I'm using a USB HDD to shuffle files, but that is far from ideal…

Best Answer

Sharing must be enabled. To see the Mac from your PC's, enable File Sharing (System Preferences/Sharing/File Sharing). You will need to take the additional step of enabling Samba sharing, since PC's don't use Apple's File sharing Protocol (AFP). Do this by then clicking on options, and make sure "Share files and folders using SMB (Windows)" is checked. Turn it on for whichever accounts you wish to authorize.

In order to see PC shares from your Mac, the PC's must be on the same network, with sharing enabled. Share a folder or something. Is it XP, Vista, 7? If it's XP, disable Simple File Sharing. Do so by opening a folder, going to Tools->Options, and find it at the bottom of View. Then right-click a folder, go to Sharing and Security, and enable sharing.

If it still doesn't show up, you may have a network/firewall issue, and it warrants further help.. but try that to get you started.

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