12-25-2007, 10:53 PM

Hey everyone

I finally got a Macbook today for Christmas. Its my first Mac so I'm sure I'll have a million questions for you all!

So, question number one:

I am trying to share my mp3 folder from my Windows XP PC with my new macbook over our wireless network. I have the PC set to share the folder with the network but I can't figure out how to find the folder on my mac. Help?

12-26-2007, 12:38 AM

Open Finder click on "Connect Server". In there type smb://<ip address of windows machine>. You'll be prompted for password. Enter windows password if any and you're connected.

12-26-2007, 12:01 PM

it still isn't working. It just keeps searching and eventually says that I cannot connect because it cannot be found. Does it matter if my PC is wired into the network and the notebook is on wireless?? I'm so stumped

12-26-2007, 03:32 PM

It won't matter if it is wired or wireless. You may have to add the IP of your Mac into the allow section of your firewall on the Windows machine. Good luck.

12-26-2007, 05:11 PM

Firstly in preferences (applications/System Preferences) go to "sharing" which you will see under "Internet & Network"

then check "windows sharing" and then check the user account you want to use for windows sharing

next, connecting to your windows box

Go to "go" in menu bar, type "smb://*your hostname*"

When it comes to authenticating, just click ok unless you have a password set. I have also found getting rid of anything in "name" field helps as well :/

you can also browse to it via "network" in Finder, But i prefer using "Go"

Oh, also, if you're transferring music via iTunes, when connected to your music share, go to iTunes and then "file" and then "add to library" and navigate to your files. I personally found doing it via iTunes was a lot easier. made organizing my MP3 files easier since iTunes does it automagically.

12-26-2007, 05:56 PM

Originally Posted by cephas

Firstly in preferences (applications/System Preferences) go to "sharing" which you will see under "Internet & Network"

then check "windows sharing" and then check the user account you want to use for windows sharing

I don't see any option for "windows sharing" I see:
screen sharing
file sharing
printer ""
web ""
remote login
remote management
apple events
xgrid ""
internet ""
bluetooth ""



sorry, apparently I'm an idiot lol

12-26-2007, 06:31 PM

Ok well I found out that its a problem with my PC not my mac (surprise, surprise) For some reason no computer on the network can see my PC... UGH! Off to fix that first I guess.

12-26-2007, 08:20 PM

Originally Posted by Rynniex

I don't see any option for "windows sharing" I see:
screen sharing
file sharing
printer ""
web ""
remote login
remote management
apple events
xgrid ""
internet ""
bluetooth ""



sorry, apparently I'm an idiot lol

You're not the only one who's screen looks like that. I'm using Leopard and I don't have a windows sharing option either. Is this because the network location under my Airport router is set at "Automatic"?

12-27-2007, 06:45 AM

Originally Posted by PeterC4

You're not the only one who's screen looks like that. I'm using Leopard and I don't have a windows sharing option either. Is this because the network location under my Airport router is set at "Automatic"?

Sorry guys, No experience of leopard. I assumed it would be the same as Tiger. you could try typing "windows" in the Preferences search box in the top right corner, and see what options it gives you?

or, click on "file sharing" it could just be its called something different in leopard. Yes, under "sharing" try checking "file sharing"

12-27-2007, 07:23 AM

I am also having the same problem trying to create a network between my mac and my pc. I'm using leopard and I've gone through the search engines looking for a guide to connect to my PC and there doesn't seem to be anything out there... I want my mac and PC to hold hands like on their goofy adverts!

12-27-2007, 07:32 AM

Figured since nobody had suggested this by now that I would mention it.

Have you added both machines to the same workgroup? If you have Leopard and the machines are on the same workgroup, the computers should see shared files/folders automatically.

12-27-2007, 07:54 AM

Any ideas how you assign leopard to a workgroup?

12-27-2007, 12:01 PM

I'd also like to know how to add it to a workgroup!

I have managed to share a specific file though. Leopard sharing preferences has changed slightly. Windows sharing is gone (for some reason) and instead you enable it by clicking on sharing>file sharing>options>share files and folders using SMB>select users you wish to share. When this is done you click done and do as above..connect to server and so on.

The strange thing is when I type a password it doesnt have to be either my Mac or Windows one! Have any ideas about this anyone?

01-02-2008, 10:49 AM

did my idea work for you?

01-02-2008, 11:40 AM

To add Leopard to a workgroup, open up System Preferences --> Network. Click on the Advanced button and go to the WINS tab. Input the workgroup name there, hit OK, and then Apply. Be sure that the Windows computer is part of the same workgroup.