File sharing in Windows XP

[GaryK]

This may be useful to exchange files between any posts in business or at home. Imagine yourself with a network of 10 PCs and a particularly large installation that you want to install on each workstation. The fact of sharing the file will allow you to not download it manually on each workstation, but only one, then share it.
There are different ways to share files with Windows XP. Or simply, either by using the advanced settings to restrict permissions. We will not see these two modes to share files.

Explanations

Simple File Sharing

Simple file sharing is the sharing mode enabled by default. Note that Windows XP Home is the only mode that is available. It can share globally for all the working group, the files in a directory, with no restrictions and no password. Be careful therefore not to share files condidentiels that could see some users on your network.

The first thing to do to use simple file sharing is to tell the system that you want to use this mode of sharing. If it is not already enabled, open your desktop and then click the Tools menu and the option "Folder Options" like this:

Here check the "Use simple file sharing (Recommended)" if not already done so and then click "OK".

Now you turn on the directory you want to share and click the option "Sharing and Security ..." as below:

[GaryK]

If this is the first time you do this it is normal that you see this message "If you are aware of security risks .."

You'll have a window below, we will not use the wizard, so check "Enable simple file sharing" then click "OK":

Sharing your window should now look like this:

Select the "Share this folder on the network" then click "OK". You can also enable or disable network users to change your files (not recommended). To indicate that the file is a shared folder is a small hand under it like this:

Here's your folder is shared and visible on your network.