So here's some info....
First, terminology:
Windows remote network access works in a
client/server model
- The "client" is the computer you log into locally
- The "server" is the remote computer you are trying to access
Also, Windows supports two different file sharing models
- Simple File Sharing (SFS) and
- Non-Simple File Sharing (Non-SFS)
The file sharing mode on the server controls the method of Windows remote logon
> If the server is configured to SFS, then Windows remote logon requires valid Guest account logon
> If the server is configured to non-SFS, the Windows remote logon requires a valid user account logon
By definition, XP Home edition ONLY supports SFS. It can not be configured non-SFS
You can check the other Windows versions by opening Explorer in XP. File/Folder options for Vista and (i think) Windows 7.
> Click the View tab
> Scroll through the options toward the end and look for Use Simple File Sharing
===> If the option isn't there, Windows is running SFS
===> If the option IS there, you can configure for SFS or non-SFS (is up to you)
Make any sense so far? Check for SFS or non-SFS on each of your computers and get back to me. This option lets you change the account logon requirement.
Also on each computer try clicking Start->Run, enter
gpedit.msc. This is the group policy editor. It isn;'t available for XP Home. Check for your other Windows versions. If the group policy editor exists, it will let you change whether a blank password is allowed or not for remote logon to the server
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You might find it simplest/easiest to run SFS on all your computers. It sounds like your Windows 7 machine is configured to non-SFS since Windows is prompting for remote log on with a user account (not Guest account)