- Oct 8, 2013
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Title: Setting up shared folders in Windows XP
Description
The following guide outlines the steps taken to setup a file share on a Windows XP system. You may want to do this to move files to a newer system easily or for general file sharing access. Other versions of Windows have similar capabilities.
Pre-requisites
[_] At least two Windows systems(the sharing system should be Win XP)
[_] Functional network where both systems can see each other
[_] Access permissions(user accounts) on both systems(if user security desired)
Setting up a file share
1. On the computer that you would like to access files from or copy them to, open up 'My Computer' or simply the 'Computer' menu. (This is where you can see the drives your system has available)
2. You will get the following error message most likely, click "Show the Contents of this folder"
3. You will then be at the root of your drive, in this example we are using the 'C:' drive as our root. You may see folders similar to this:
4. Right click in the empty area of the display window, and click "New" then "Folder"
5. A new folder will be created called "New Folder" change the name to something that makes sense for its intended use. In this case we'll use the name "NetShare", then click Enter
6. Now click on the 'Tools' menu and select 'Folder Options'
7. In the 'Folder Options' popup click on the 'View' tab, scroll down the list to "Use Simple File Sharing" and uncheck it. Click [OK] when complete.
8. Now right click on the folder you just created and select "Properties"
9. You'll now be in your folders Properties windows, click on the (sharing) tab
10. Now select 'Share this folder', the System will auto-populate the "Share name" dialog, you can then click 'Permissions'
11. In the 'Permissions' screen you should see the 'Everyone' group listed, click on it, you can then click to add 'Change' and 'Full Control'. You can add specific user accounts if you wish, or if you have Active Directory you can add entire groups. If this is a home network the security of your home network(ethernet and wireless) should be sufficient to prevent outside access(assuming you've secured your wireless.)[If there is any question about security do not put anything of value in this folder.] Click [OK]
12. Now click on the (Security) tab and click on the [Add] button.
13. Now enter 'Everyone' into the area provided and click [Check names], then click [Ok]
14. Now highlight the 'Everyone' group you just added and then click on the Allow 'Modify' Permission. Then click [OK]
13. You should now see some form of hand or sharing symbol displayed near the shared folder.
14. Now put a file into this directory and let people access it, you can access this share either through Windows "My Network Places" or type "\\<IPAddressofSharingComputer>\" (replace the <IPAddressofSharingComputer> with the targets IP address.)
Wrap-Up
Windows file sharing can be an exceptionally useful, but sometimes tricky, option to set up. Many a LAN party has been saved by the ability to move files around effortlessly (for free games ofcourse.) By completing filesharing correctly any Firewall issues should be avoid, but if you are unable to connect check your firewalls status.
Description
The following guide outlines the steps taken to setup a file share on a Windows XP system. You may want to do this to move files to a newer system easily or for general file sharing access. Other versions of Windows have similar capabilities.
Pre-requisites
[_] At least two Windows systems(the sharing system should be Win XP)
[_] Functional network where both systems can see each other
[_] Access permissions(user accounts) on both systems(if user security desired)
Setting up a file share
1. On the computer that you would like to access files from or copy them to, open up 'My Computer' or simply the 'Computer' menu. (This is where you can see the drives your system has available)
2. You will get the following error message most likely, click "Show the Contents of this folder"
3. You will then be at the root of your drive, in this example we are using the 'C:' drive as our root. You may see folders similar to this:
4. Right click in the empty area of the display window, and click "New" then "Folder"
5. A new folder will be created called "New Folder" change the name to something that makes sense for its intended use. In this case we'll use the name "NetShare", then click Enter
6. Now click on the 'Tools' menu and select 'Folder Options'
7. In the 'Folder Options' popup click on the 'View' tab, scroll down the list to "Use Simple File Sharing" and uncheck it. Click [OK] when complete.
8. Now right click on the folder you just created and select "Properties"
9. You'll now be in your folders Properties windows, click on the (sharing) tab
10. Now select 'Share this folder', the System will auto-populate the "Share name" dialog, you can then click 'Permissions'
11. In the 'Permissions' screen you should see the 'Everyone' group listed, click on it, you can then click to add 'Change' and 'Full Control'. You can add specific user accounts if you wish, or if you have Active Directory you can add entire groups. If this is a home network the security of your home network(ethernet and wireless) should be sufficient to prevent outside access(assuming you've secured your wireless.)[If there is any question about security do not put anything of value in this folder.] Click [OK]
12. Now click on the (Security) tab and click on the [Add] button.
13. Now enter 'Everyone' into the area provided and click [Check names], then click [Ok]
14. Now highlight the 'Everyone' group you just added and then click on the Allow 'Modify' Permission. Then click [OK]
13. You should now see some form of hand or sharing symbol displayed near the shared folder.
14. Now put a file into this directory and let people access it, you can access this share either through Windows "My Network Places" or type "\\<IPAddressofSharingComputer>\" (replace the <IPAddressofSharingComputer> with the targets IP address.)
Wrap-Up
Windows file sharing can be an exceptionally useful, but sometimes tricky, option to set up. Many a LAN party has been saved by the ability to move files around effortlessly (for free games ofcourse.) By completing filesharing correctly any Firewall issues should be avoid, but if you are unable to connect check your firewalls status.
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