How to Share Files on a Home Network with Windows XP

One of the more useful aspects of having a home network is being able to share files between computers. This article will show you how to share files on a home network with Windows XP.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Windows XP
• Home Network

1. Make sure that all computers on your network are in the same workgroup. If you don't know how to do this, see my article "How to Change Your Computer's Name and Workgroup in Microsoft Windows" that's linked in the Resources section below.

2. Make sure that all of the computers on your network have file and printer sharing enabled. If you don't know how to do this, see my article "How to Enable File and Printer Sharing in Windows XP" linked in the resources section.

3. 
    

   Open up Windows Explorer by holding down the Windows key and pressing E. Browse to the file or folder that you want to share. Right click on the file or folder and go to "Sharing and Security".

4. 
    

   Enable the checkbox next to "Share this folder on the network" and choose a share name for the folder. If you want to be able to modify the contents of the folder from other computers, enable the checkbox next to "Allow network users to change my files".

5. Click OK. You should now be able to access the folder from other computers on your network.

Resources

• How to Change Your Computer's Name and Workgroup in Microsoft Windows
• How to Enable File and Printer Sharing in Windows XP

[susieq450]

on 9/23/2009 THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE GREAT INFO. 5 STARS - ADDED BY CLICKING ON STARS AT THE TOP OF YOUR ARTICLE. KEEP UP GOOD WORK