Help with File Sharing Vista and XP across 2 different subnets.

[The_Shooter]

At my work, we have a computer (Vista Ultimate) connected to an external 4TB Raid 5 E-Sata drive that we have hidden shares on. We have several XP machines that will need to connect to it for archiving. Here is the problem:

1) We got the hidden shares up on the Vista box.
2) We mapped the network drive on several XP boxes.
3) The Vista Box is on a subnet: 10.1.1.x
4) The XP Boxes are on a subnet: 10.1.3.x
5) Both the XP Boxes and Vista Box have the Windows Firewall on.

When trying to access the shares, it takes about 45 seconds before the window shows the files on the XP boxes. As soon as I turn off the Vista Firewall, it goes from 45 seconds to 2-3 seconds to show the files. So without a firewall on the Vista Box, there is no problem, but we want a firewall. This is consistent with all XP boxes trying to connect to the Vista.

My theory is that because the Vista box is on a separate subnet, the Windows Firewall (Which has File and Print sharing on) blocks the connection causing a timeout, but eventually does give access. We want to have the firewall left on, but do not want to have all the XP boxes wait 45 seconds before they can access the drive.

I have read that Vista only opens the File and Printer Sharing across its own subnet. So I have been looking at the Advanced Firewall settings in Vista, but what do I need to change to allow a connection across a different subnet?

If you have any questions, please ask! I have been searching Google, but have not found a solution that works.

-Adam

[GroundZero3]

Do you have service pack 1 for vista installed?

[The_Shooter]

SP1 is installed on Vista as well as all the latest security updates. Would there be something to do with that?

[GroundZero3]

How are you trying to access the share? By computer name or ip address? What subnet are you using for your networks?

I have read that Vista only opens the File and Printer Sharing across its own subnet.

Where did you read that?

[The_Shooter]

I access the share by the computer name. I just did a test by the IP via the Run Command on the XP box: \\10.1.1.x\Share$ and it took nearly 2 minutes to respond.

FYI: When I do connect after about 45 seconds, the transfers and access is fast and normal. After about 10-15 min of not accessing the share, it will then take its time to get connected back up.

Here are a couple of links I was reading about the subnet. Maybe it is not true?

Windows Vista Firewall blocks valid traffic from other subets : Microsoft, Vista, SP1, Windows Firewall

Windows Vista file sharing across 2 local subnets. - dslreports.com

DD-WRT Forum :: View topic - communication problem with different subnets

File sharing between subnets using Windows?

[GroundZero3]

Interesting, I never heard that issue I will need to try that out.

[The_Shooter]

The whole subnet theory may not be the issue. I do know that with the Windows Vista Firewall turned on, it is slow to access the share, but like I said, once it does connect, I have no problem accessing the files, going into folders, or transferring files. As soon as I turn the Windows Vista Firewall off, accessing the share is fast.
So it's not that I do not have access to the share, it's just that it is slow accessing the share.

[The_Shooter]

Also, this network is part of a Domain. Can that have any effect to this problem?