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Sharing files and folders in Windows XP

Sharing files in XP can be achieved in two ways; one is make use of the simple file sharing feature, the other is to disable simple file sharing and use the classic, more advanced, file sharing and security.

To choose the appropriate option, further information on simple file sharing can be found here:

How to disable simple file sharing 

How to use the Simple File Sharing feature 

Note: To share using groups and users (with permissions), simple file sharing must be disabled.

Windows XP Home Edition supports only Simple file sharing.

1. Enable or disable simple file sharing:

Choose either option as described above, and then either enable or disable simple file sharing via the following:

1. Click Start » Settings » Control Panel, and then choose Folder Options.

   Note: If the icon doesn't appear in the list, click switch to classic view from the left panel.

2. Select the view tab and then:
   1. to enable, check simple file sharing
   2. to disable, uncheck simple file sharing

2. Enabling remote access:

By default, XP disables remote access. To set up sharing, remote access must be enabled. To enable remote access:

1. Click Start » Settings » Control Panel, and then choose Network Setup Wizard.

   Note: If the icon doesn't appear in the list, click switch to classic view from the left panel.

2. Click Next, and then Next again.
3. Select a connection method (usually this computer connects to the internet through a residential gateway...), and click Next.
4. Add a computer description and name: The current pc name is entered by default, and the description can be left blank. Click Next.
5. Add a Workgroup, and click Next.
6. Select Turn on file and printer sharing, and click Next.
7. Click Next.
8. Select Just finish the wizard, and click Next.
9. Click Finish. A reboot is now required for the changes to take affect.

Note: Running this wizard starts the windows firewall so if it was previously disabled, you will need to disable it again.

3a. Sharing files with simple file sharing enabled:

1. Log on as an Administrator.
2. Ensure remote access is enabled (see above).
3. Ensure simple file sharing is enabled (see above).
4. Browse to the folder to be shared (creating one if necessary).
5. Right-click the folder to share, then choose Sharing and Security....
6. Check share this folder on the network.
7. Add a share name.
8. Check allow network users to change my files to give full access, or leave unchecked for read-only access.

Users should now be able to access the share by typing the computer name (or IP address) and share name into Windows Explorer, i.e:

\\computer\share

Note: You may also have to set the correct permissions on the drive or directory that is to be shared.

3b. Sharing files with simple file sharing disabled:

1. Log on as an Administrator.
2. Ensure remote access is enabled (see above).
3. Ensure simple file sharing is disabled (see above).
4. Browse to the folder to be shared (creating one if necessary).
5. Right-click the folder to share, then choose Sharing and Security....
6. Select Share this folder.
7. Add a share name.
8. Select Share this folder.
9. Click the Permissions button, and add the relevant permissions.

Users should now be able to access the share by typing the computer name (or IP address) and share name into Windows Explorer, i.e:

\\computer\share

Note: You may also have to set the correct permissions on the drive or directory that is to be shared.

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