Solved: windows8 and XP Pro

Hi,

I have a fairly old laptop with winxp.
Just got myself a new Samsung that came with preinstalled Windows8

I decided I'll set it up and use the winxp as a file server/download station where I could stream directly from rather than clutter the new win8

In XP - I enabled file sharing. I right clicked a folder on my desktop, shared it (simple file sharing)
Win8 - Asked me if its a home/work network or public - marked home/work.

They couldn't see each other till I renamed both workgroups to "2012"

I could now access my XP shared folder, read/write - all good till here.

walked out for 10mins, now they're acting weird. they can either not see each other or i get the "not accessible" error

XP - I've tried disabling simple file sharing, using permissions.. no change. Enabled NetBios over tcp/ip
still no joy

any suggestions please??

 

Additional info - both have same username and password
Also - i just tried restarting both machines, 1 out of 5 times they can see each other and access shared files, connection drops after 10min of leaving them idle

 

new update -
turns out, when i restart my wireless router, the connection stays for as long as 40mins (since i've rebooted it)

 

approx 60mins!
its dead!

anyone????

 

i'm sure the connection is stable
also neither go on sleep/standby or hibernation

winxp to another winxp - connection is perfect

could it be windows8? or maybe the wireless router?

edit - additional info, wireless router is used by 5 other computers in the house who connect to it, to use the internet

 

***FIXED***

If this helps anyone,

cmd prompt,
net config server /autodisconnect:-1

This changed the registry key in both computers to disable autodisconnect if the computers are idle.

(HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Service\lanmanworkstation\parameters)

Worked well, left both xp and w8 idle overnight and w8 still maintains connection.

There is also another key "KeepConn" I know has to be changed, will do if i need it later.

Thanks Terry - if KeepConn doesn't work, I know wat to do next