Passwords for shared directories

  • Thread starter Thread starter Joel Vergun
  • Start date Start date
J

Joel Vergun

In Windows 98 and Me, it was possible to set a password on
shared directories. But when I designate a directory
as "shared" in XP Home edition, there is no option to set
up password-protection. I'd like to be able share
directories across a network, but only to users who know
the password. Any suggestions how to do this with XP home?
Or do I need to shell out $400 ($199 x 2) to upgrade to XP
Pro and use NTFS ?

Thanks
 
"Joel Vergun" said:
In Windows 98 and Me, it was possible to set a password on
shared directories. But when I designate a directory
as "shared" in XP Home edition, there is no option to set
up password-protection. I'd like to be able share
directories across a network, but only to users who know
the password. Any suggestions how to do this with XP home?
Or do I need to shell out $400 ($199 x 2) to upgrade to XP
Pro and use NTFS ?

Thanks
Click to expand...

I'm sorry, but Windows XP doesn't have passwords for shared disks and
folders the way that Windows 95, 98, and Me do.

Here are some ways to control access to your shared files:

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. If 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
 
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