"Chris" said:
I have two computers that are running XP Home and Pro. I
recently bought a router (Microsoft MN-100) and
established a workgroup. I am able to access the other
computer and share files more or less, but I don't like
that I don't need any kind of password. Is this common?
Is there a way to protect my shared files by requiring a
password? If so, how?
Chris
It's good that you're concerned about security, and I think that your
network is already safe. Your router acts as a firewall, preventing
other Internet users from accessing your network and its shared files.
Windows XP doesn't have passwords for shared disks and folders, but
here are some ways to get additional levels of security:
1. Create a hidden share and only tell selected people about it. I've
written a web page with details:
Windows XP Simple File Sharing
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp/filesharing.htm
2. Assign a password to the "Guest" account. When other people try
to access your computer, they'll be prompted to enter the password:
a. Click Start | Run.
b. Type "control userpasswords2" in the box and click OK.
c. Under "Users for this computer", click Guest.
d. Click Reset Password, enter a password, and click OK.
3. Create a compressed folder and define a password for it. Everyone
who accesses the folder, from the local computer or from the network,
must specify the password to access the files in the compressed
folder. This Microsoft Knowledge Base article has details:
HOW TO: Use Compressed (Zipped) Folders in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;306531
4. In Windows XP Professional, you can disable Simple File Sharing and
define access control lists that specify user names and their allowed
mode of access. Ron Lowe and I have written a web page with details:
Windows XP Professional File Sharing
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp_filesharing/index.htm
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)
Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
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