How to Set Windows XP Pro to Let Mac OS X Access Shared Files
Home networking is an efficient and effective way to enhance collaboration and share files between different computers and users. Enabling Windows file sharing allows other user to securely access the files on a Windows XP desktop. Mac OS X computers are able to access these shared files using the server message block (SMB) protocol.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Confirm that the Windows XP administrator and user accounts require log on passwords. Assign passwords to user accounts where necessary by navigating to "Start" > "Control Panel" > "User Accounts." This opens the User Accounts Control Panel. Select the account you want to change and click "Create A Password." Follow the on-screen prompts to create a password.
-
2
Select "Create a New Account" from the User Accounts Control Panel. Give the new account a name when prompted. Click "Next." You will be prompted to choose an account type for the new share user. Choose "Computer Administrator" if you want the remote Mac OS X user to have unrestricted control of the files you wish to share. Otherwise, choose "Limited." Select "Create Account." Assign a password to the new account.
-
-
3
Open Windows Explorer from "Start" > "Programs" > "Accessories." Select "Tools" and click "Options." Click "View," scroll to the bottom of the options list and make sure the check box next to "Use Simple File Sharing (Recommended)" is unchecked. Select "OK."
-
4
Choose the files you wish to share with the Mac OS X remote user. Either share an existing file, or create a new folder and move the files you wish to share to the new folder. Right-click the folder you want to share and select "Sharing and Security." Select the button next to "Share This Folder" and type a name for the share into the "Share Name:" text box.
-
5
Select "Permissions," choose "Everyone" and click "Remove." Click "Add," choose "Advanced" and select "Find Now." Choose the remote Mac OS X user account you created from the list and click "OK." Click "OK" again.
-
6
Select the "Security" tab, choose "Add" and then click "Advanced." Select "Find Now" and select the Mac OS X share user account. Click "OK," then click "OK" again. Choose the permissions you wish to grant the Mac OS X share user. Click "OK" to finish.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
For a detailed explanation of how to set up a Windows home network, see Resources.
