Simple File Sharing Windows XP Home

Both Windows XP Home edition and XP Professional offer an easy method for users to share files with other people on the same computer or local network. Although convenient, Simple File Sharing does not offer much control over the shared folders and the files within. There are only two options: other users have complete control over the share or they may only view the files. There is no mechanism to fine tune file permissions with respect to users, groups, or types of file access.

Simple File Sharing is the only option in Windows XP Home Edition. However, Windows XP Professional has the ability to disable Simple File sharing and institute a more robust form of user management based on NTFS file system permissions and access control lists. This other method is installed by disabling Simple File Sharing.

Default Local Shares

When an account is created the user's My Documents folder is automatically shared locally with other account holders on the same machine. Anyone can read, edit or delete the files within. Note that network users do not have access to the My Documents folder by default.

To view a computer's local shared folders:

1. Double click My Computer icon
2. Local shares appear at the top of the window

To prevent other local users from accessing these files select “make my folders Private”.

1. My Computer
2. Select a folder
3. Right click
4. Sharing and Security...
5. Checkmark - Make this folder private

Default Network Share

When XP Home is installed a directory is created that is accessible from the local network by default. The SharedDocs folder is visible in various places such as the My Computer windows or through My Network Places.

You can also view network shares by going to:

1. My Computer
2. My Network Places
3. View Workgroup Computers
4. Click a computer icon
5. Default shares are: Printers and Faxes, Schedualed Tasks and SharedDocs

Create a Network Share

Users can also create their own shared folders. These folders can be created anywhere the user has access.

1. My Computer
2. Open My Documents
3. Create a folder
4. Right click the folder
5. Sharing and Security...
6. Checkmark - Share this folder on the network
7. Optional - Allow network users to change my files

Configure a Workgroup

Small residential or business networks should have all their computers on the same workgroup. When choosing a workgroup name avoid special characters, spaces and keep the names short and simple.

1. Start
2. Control Panel
3. System
4. Click Computer Name tab
5. Click Change Button
6. Enter a computer name
7. Enter a workgroup name
8. Reboot