File Sharing Passwords

I have my laptop and desktop networked together using a wireless router. I can see the files i want on one computer from the other. The only thing i want to add is a password to access the files from the other machine. I remember reading how to do this, but I dont remember where i read it. Any help is appreciated as always.

--Steve

 

Dah....

Sorry,

I got temporarily misplaced and thought I was in the win98 Forum. The answer would be different for XP.

Since I haven't burned the steps to memory (mine of course) I will get back to this, unless another steps in with the To-Do's.

 

I don't have the password option under the sharing section of the drive properties. And you completely lost me with the 'access tab'

 

You have to disable simple filesharing (XPPro only)

 

maggie, how would i go about doing that? I am running XP Pro.

edit--figured it out how to remove simple file sharing, but there still isn't an option to add passwords.

 

I knew there was a good reason why I was using "Simple File Sharing.... This can make your head spin.....

Looks like there is no Password Protect for Folders and Files (unless owned and encrypted). Xp permissions are allowed or denied per User or Account restrictions and option settings as opposed to win98xx permissions being geared toward drive, folder, files.

Read these links (knowing it helps to better understand if you actually walk thru the steps on your own OS. The instructions always tend to sound more complicated than they are.
http://www.theeldergeek.com/quick_guide_to_simple_file_sharing.htm

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;304040

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp/filesharing.htm

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q307/8/74.asp

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307874&Product=winxp

=============
You can turn "Simple File Sharing" off via WinExplorers Toolbar.
*click on "tools "
*click on "Folder OPtions "
*click on the "View" tab
*scroll alll the way down to the bottom and it should be one of the last options, if not the last option.

==============
If after reading those links and your still awake and need further help just give a shout....

===Thru Allow or Deny options========
You can give
No access
Full access
Read only access

And via the advanced
You can add other permissions

============
"Simple File Sharing" option will also allow controling of Full Access, Read or No Access but in a very basic form. For those that prefer the simpler things and do not need that "Additional Security" for a "Home Network ".

If it's a particular folder or file your trying to keep from prying eyes, there are alternatives.

This is a real thin glossed over explanation but as I said before, "I hate Networking!!! "

Now that I have taken a few controling breaths and have composed myself:
I do hope the above helps you in some small way and you have my sympathies.

 

slk230mb - what Ann posted should get you there. Basically, file/folder access and permissions on the NT systems requires slightly different thinking but once you get a feel for it, much better. Finer grained control and less work to set up / maintain.

goddez1 - Head spins until you finally have an Ah Ha moment when it all makes sense. At that point you'll wonder how it ever seemed confusing.

Access control with un-simple file sharing

- by user or if you have several users, can be done by groups.
- NTFS offers lots more options.
- Add user/group to the security tab for a file or folder or drive (your choice) and give them just exactly the amount of access you want them to have.
- Always bear in mind that with NT systems and NTFS, the most restrictive set of permissions have control. So for instance, if User-A has read-only access to folder-A and has full access to \folder-A\file-B, then User-A will actually have read-only access to file-B unless you've done some fancy tweaking.

For a SOHO network, either users or groups will work pretty well. For larger networks with more users, go with groups or make yourself crazy. At this point, if I have more than 5 or 6 users, it's groups every time.

 

Sorry I never got back. For some reason I just got my first email notice on this thread. I looks like you have the links to check out everything out. Most people are looking for a way to share without all the hassles. Yours is the safest way.

 

Aw shucks maggie. Computing without hassles is no fun.

 

Heck that is pretty much the way I learned.

 

Hiding shared files

If you use simple file sharing and end the shared file name with a dollar sign "$" the shared file name will not show up as being shared on your computers, but you will be able to access it if you know what you're looking for. I hope this is clear.

 

ackerberg - not only with simple file sharing but works with any Microsoft network file/folder shares. Workgroup, domain, Win98, WinXP, whatever.