How to Turn Off File Sharing on Windows XP

Most Home PC's do not need File & Printer Sharing enabled, but most are setup from the manufacturer to allow file sharing.

If you are not versed in file security, you can simply turn on file and printer sharing on a home PC and reduce the risk of Trojans and Viruses using this vulnerability to spread themselves.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Windows XP PC.

1. 
   Select

   Go into your PC control panel by selecting the "START" button and then select the "Control Panel" from the main menu.

2. 
   Change to Classic View

   If your control panel is not in "CLASSIC VIEW", select the link on the left side of the window to change views.

3. 
   Select Network Connections

   Select the "Network Connections" ICON from the control panel. This will open a window and show you all network connections on your PC.

4. You may have multiple connections, but typically the title will be "local Area Connection", and have the words "connected" underneath as well as the ICON will be "colorized" if active, all other connections will be "grayed out".

5. 
   Right Click on Local Area Connection

   Right Click on the Connection "Local Area Connection" and select "Properties" from the pop up menu.

6. 
   File & Printer Sharing Options

   From the "Local Area Connection Properties" box, unselected the "File and Printer Sharing" option. and Press OK

7. You may or may not have to reboot your PC for the settings to take effect, but it is recommended.

8. After the reboot no files can be accessed from anywhere remotely.

Tips & Warnings

• Windows File and Printer Sharing are enabled by default on most Windows XP machines.
• You will have to have administrator rights to make these changes on your PC.
• File sharing programs ( music, video, etc.. ) from over the internet will no longer work.
• If you want to re-enable file and printer sharing, just follow steps 1-8 , and re-check the option for file and printer sharing.
• If a printer is being shared with other PC's on the network, it will no longer be visible to any other PC.

[Janoo]

on 6/6/2008 Very Useful Article. Than you very much

[sonia123]

on 5/10/2008 Thanks for this helpful article. It’s easy but really helpful cause no one knows everything.
Even in your very own house, you don’t know where exactly things are located. The same goes for computers. You have been using them for years and years, yet you don’t know everything about it, unless you design it from the very start (you even mould your computer cover from raw metals). Thank you again.

[Arri]

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[Arri]

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[webzarus]

on 1/29/2008 Thank YOU.... for the nice comments. I've been working with computers for many, many years, it intrigues me and I am fortunate to have a job that challenges me daily and pushed me to learn new things everyday. Writing article here are part of giving back and sharing some of what I have learned. I don't have nearly the time I would like to put towards this because ... Life gets in the way...