Before computers can share resources, they must share the same domain name or workgroup name. Older operating systems have more restrictions for naming a workgroup. If a workgroup is made up of newer and older operating systems, use the workgroup name from the computer with the oldest operating system.
NOTE: Before changing a computer from a domain to a workgroup, you need the username and the password for an account in the local administrator group.
To change the workgroup name for Windows 7 and Windows Vista, as shown in Figure 1, use the following path:
Start > right-click Computer > Properties > Change setting > Change
To change the workgroup name for Windows XP, use the following path:
Start > right-click My Computer > Properties > select Computer Name tab > Change
Windows also has a wizard, shown in Figure 2, that guides you through the process for joining a domain or workgroup. After changing the domain name or workgroup name, you must restart the computer for the changes to take place.