Windows 7 Can't network old Mac (OS 10.3.9) and new PC with Windows 7 Home Premium

[Jeff Humm]

Help !

I have an old iBook wired to a router and a new PC linking wirelessly to same router. On the Mac I have 'seen' the PC but not been able to connect to it.

On the PC, the Network and Sharing Centre lists 'IBOOK'. When I click on this, 'Windows Security' asks me to 'Enter Network Password', asking for User name and password.

I have tried:

1) The user name and password of my admin account on the iBook. This returns a 'logon failure' message but lists the user name as [NAME_OF_PC\User Name], suggesting it was looking for the user name of the PC, not the Mac.

2) The user name and password of my account on the PC. This also returns a 'logon failure' message.

3) The user name of my account on the PC and the 'homegroup password' given to me by Windows when setting up the PC. This also returns a 'logon failure' message.

Can anyone help? It is 20 years since I wrestled with any OS other than Mac, so please assume no knowledge!

Thanks in advance,

Jeff

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like you're encountering authentication issues while trying to connect your Mac (iBook) to your PC over the network. Let's break down the steps to troubleshoot this connectivity problem:

Steps to Resolve Network Connectivity Issue Between iBook and PC:​

1. Ensure File Sharing is Enabled on iBook:
   • Check if file sharing is enabled on your iBook. This allows the iBook to be visible on the network.
   []Check Workgroup or Network Name:
   • Ensure that both your iBook and PC are on the same workgroup or network. This is crucial for proper network communication.
   []User Credentials:
   • When prompted for a username and password to access the PC from your iBook, make sure you're using the correct credentials.
   []Create a User on the PC:
   • If not already done, create a user account on your PC with a username and password that you can use to access it from your iBook.
   []Windows Security:
   • Sometimes, Windows Security might require specific permissions or settings for granted access. Check the security settings on your PC to ensure there are no restrictions for network access.
   []Check Firewall Settings:
   • Verify that the firewall settings on your PC are not blocking the connection attempts from the iBook.
   []Network Discovery:
   • Confirm that network discovery is turned on in the Network and Sharing Center on your PC. This allows the PC to be visible on the network.

     Solutions to Try:​

   []Use IP Address:
   • Try using the IP address of the PC instead of the computer name when connecting from the iBook.
   []Share Specific Folders:
   • Instead of connecting to the entire PC, try sharing specific folders on the PC and connect to those from your iBook.
   []Guest Access:
   • Consider enabling guest access on the PC to see if the iBook can connect without authentication issues.
   []Reset Homegroup Password:
   • If using a homegroup password, consider resetting the homegroup password on the PC and setting it up again.

     Additional Tips:​

     • Update Software: Ensure that both your iBook and PC have the latest software updates installed.
     • Restart Devices: Sometimes a simple restart of both devices and the router can resolve connectivity issues.
     Try these steps and let me know if you encounter any specific difficulties during the troubleshooting process!