can't share programs folder on xp

  • Thread starter Thread starter Barry Shipley
  • Start date Start date
B

Barry Shipley

I have shared the hard drives on 2 xp home PCs.Every thing
can be accessed over the network except the 'Programs
Folder' from either PC. I can create an additonal share on
any sub file or folder. No options can be selected on the
sharing tab for the Programs Folder; a message says this
is because it is used by the system. I have no hidden
files. Can some body PLEASE help me to share the Programs
Folder? Thank you, Barry
 
This is the default behaviour of Simple File Sharing
when used to share an NTFS drive.

Essentially, it's trying to protect users from themselves.
People often follow bad practice of sharing entire drives, etc.
Typically, there's not much reason to share those folders.

What Simple File Sharing has done is to set the NTFS
permissions on those folders to block 'Guest' network access.

Possible workarounds:

1) On XP Pro, disable simple file sharing, and then explicitly set up the
permissions.

2) On XP Home, you can't do this. So there are a couple of possible kludges:

2.1) Reformat the drive as FAT, and re-install.
This is an ugly solution.

2.2) Boot to Safe mode, which allows access to the NTFS permissions.
Re-set the NTFS permissions to include Everyone.
Re-boot to normal mode.
Note that subsequent changes to the shares with Simple File Sharing
will reset the restricted permissions, requiring you to re-do this.
 
Back
Top