Sharing files between a Windows 7 PC and an iMac

By: rcable
On: 12/26/2009 20:08:38
In: Windows 7
Comments: 0

I recently purchased a new Windows 7 Ultimate PC and an iMac. This being my first Apple computer that I've ever owned I was really worried that I would not be able to have them talk to each other on the same network.

I was pleasantly surprised that with some setup on the Windows 7 PC and a couple of commands on the iMac the sharing of files was a breeze.

Step 1: Make sure you have a work group defined for your home network on the Windows 7 PC. To do this right click over Computer or My Computer At the bottom of the System Properties window under Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings select "Change Settings"
Step 2: Setup file sharing on your Windows 7 PC. If you need more help setting up Windows 7 file sharing check out this article from the How to Geek.
Step 3: Setup the share on your iMac. Use Command K then enter "smb:\\workgroup\pc_name"
Step 4: On the Network window make sure you have the same workgroup name entered here so that it matches your Windows 7 PC network workgroup.
Now when you open Finder on you Mac you will see your computer on left navigation bar listed under "Shared".