How to Configure File Sharing on a Windows XP Computer

Computers let you share files without clandestine meetings.

File sharing allows you to create a central location where files can be easily accessed among the various computers on a home network. Whether your computers are configured for a wired network or wireless network, they can all be set up for file sharing. Windows XP includes a Simple File Sharing feature that is turned on by default in XP Professional. If Simple File Sharing has been turned off on your computer, you can switch it back on.

Things You'll Need

• A computer with a windows xp operating system.
• Smarts
• Comprehension

Instructions

1. Click "Start" and "My Computer."

2. Right-click the folder you want to share and select "Sharing and Security."

3. Click the "Sharing" tab. Click to check the box next to "Share this folder on the network" in the Network Sharing and Security section.

4. Enter a name for the shared file. Click "OK." The disk and folder you share, along with all the sub-folders, will be accessible by other network users.

Tips & Warnings

• If a file is deleted that was shared, it is gone for good.

• Windows XP recommends that you only share a specific folder and leave the rest of the disk inaccessible. If you are sharing the entire disk and all of the contents it contains, Windows XP will give you a security warning.

• Other users have the ability to read, write and delete shared folder/disk content unless you disable this function by un-checking "Allow other users to change my files."

References

• Microsoft Support: How to Use the Simple File Sharing Feature to Share Files in Windows XP