File Sharing on 2 WINXP PRO SP2

Hello all,

I'am using a network connection on 2 WINXP PRO SP2 machines. The network will function well (ping, tracert etc.). Firewall will be disabled, but when enabled it will work correctly too.

Now I'am trying to share files, folders and drives on both machines. The idea for this network: Both users should get acces to each share on the other machine, but with restricted permission: creating, changing, deleting files and folders for the shares only.

Now my question: How to configurate the both WINXP PRO SP2?
1. Simple File Sharing will not be used (only advanced mode).
2. Only the allowed users should have perission to acces the share (no guests and others).
3. WINXP PRO SP2 is installed on clean manchines.
4. Guest account is deactivated and does not have permmision at all.

I've tested a lot, but WINXP will not work like I'll see it. ;-) Problem: This sharing configuration will only work when both useres have administrator rights on each machine. This is inacceptable of course.

My idea was, that the permission control of the sharing tools will allow exact configurations without any binding to the account settings. Looks like this will not be enabled in WINXP PRO SP2.

Regards
winner

 

WINner, with simple file sharing disabled you need to make sure file sharing is properly set. With a workgroup environment, you simply have to use a local account that is duplicated on both computers. This will be the computer you are loggin onto with an identical password set for each. You cannot add network users from a network location to specify permission for individual files and folders.

With XP Pro with advanced file sharing, check the Local Policy settings (Control Panel - Administrative Tools). Under Local Policies | Security Options look at "Network access: Sharing and Security model" and encure it is set to Classic. It this policy is set to Guest, then enable the Guest account.

To learn more about file sharing with Windows, please see the following link.

How to configure file sharing in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;304040

 

So if I had 2 pcs running WinXP w/SP2 in a workgroup, I could create a user account on both pcs like 'Adam', set the password to 'password' on both machines, and be able to access shared resources?

Would I have to be logged in as 'Adam' on both pcs to access the shared resources? Or could I be logged in as 'Adam' on 1 pc and logged in as a different user on the other pc (or maybe not logged in at all), and still be able to access the shared resources?

From what I have read, you HAVE to use 'Simple File Sharing' and enable the 'Guest' account if you want to share files in a workgroup environment. I thought that 'Advanced File Sharing' would only work in a 'Domain' environment.

 

With simple file sharing validates all requests to access its shared disks/folders through the Guest account. XP Pro by default (unless you are in a domain environment) uses simple file sharing. XP Home *always* uses simple file sharing.

If you disable simple file sharing on XP Pro in a workgroup, it uses permissions based on specific user accounts. To grant appropriate NTFS permissions to the drive or share is done by XP Pro with simple file sharing disabled. Whichever account you are using add an identical user account with non blank passwords on all of the machines.

Advanced file sharing can be used in a workgroup environment. Ron Lowe and Steve Winograd has written a page. Details here.

Windows XP Professional File Sharing
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp_filesharing/index.htm

 

Thank you ecross. Very good article. I have tried to set up 3 or 4 home networks in the past with little or no success. Hopefully the next time I try all will go well.

Its frustrating because sharing a folder or printer should not be this difficult.