Microsoft basic file and print sharing on Windows XP.

Computer must be on the same ‘workgroup’ to access each other’s files over a network.

Computers most also have matching user names and passwords

You can share any folder or directory on Windows XP.

You can give full access to your folder or just read only access. For an example I will show step-by-step how to share you’re “MY DOCUMENTS” folder. ** You do not have to store your files in the “my documents” folder. You can store your files in any folder you like. You should not share the whole C: Drive.

1. The first step to sharing a folder on Windows XP is to first locate the desired folder you want to share. You can use My Computer or Windows Explorer to locate folders on your computer. A short cut to My Computer can be found by clicking on the start button. To use Windows Explorer you have to right click the short cut to My Computer and than select the option to explore. You’re ‘My Documents’ folder will be located on the c: drive in the Documents and settings folder. Each user on the computer will have his/her own My Documents folder.

2. To share the desired folder just right click the folder. And than select properties. A window showing the folder’s properties should now be on your screen. Select the tab ‘sharing’ located on the top of the window. Your open window should now look like the window below or the window on step three. If your window is the same as the window below, click the hyperlink ‘if you understand the security risks but want to share files without running the wizard, click here’. Please go to step three.

3. To share your folder, just check the check box ‘Share this folder on the network’.

4. The box for sharing this folder on the network should now be checked. You can make the shared name any thing you would like. Most of the time the shared name should be the same as the folder you are sharing. If you want users on the network to only be able to read the files inside your folder you may click ‘apply’ than ‘ok’ because you are finished. To allow users on the network full access to the files inside your folder, click the box ‘allow network users to change my files before you click ‘apply’ than ‘ok’.