"Scott" said:
Back when I had Win98SE, if I were to share a device, I
was able to set a password for any device I shared. Is
there a way to do this in XP Pro as well?
My current configuration is 2 PCs both running XP Pro.
Both PCs are connected to a Linksys Router which in turn
is connected to my cable modem. I want to be able to share
devices between these 2 PCs but would prefer to be able to
password protect these devices. Any suggestions?
I'm sorry, but Windows XP doesn't have passwords for shared devices
the way that Windows 95, 98, and Me do.
Your Linksys router acts as a firewall and prevents other Internet
users from accessing your shared devices.
Here are some ways to control access to your shared devices from the
other computer on the local area network:
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. Since you have 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
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.
Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com