How to Turn Off Password Protected Sharing in XP

Windows XP was designed from the ground up to include networking and file sharing. With Windows XP, it is not possible to entirely eliminate the network password functionality, as it is designed into the operating system. However, with some special configuration, it is possible to create shared folders that do not require passwords from network users. It is also possible to control whether these unprotected folders will have read-only, write-only or full read-and-write access.

Instructions

1. Locate the folder you wish to share. Right-click the folder and choose "Sharing and Security."

2. Click the "Share this folder" button and choose a share name.

3. Click the "Permissions" button. Click the "Add" button and type "Guests" without quotes and press the "Enter" key. For both "Everyone" and "Guests," choose the permissions level. If full, open access is desired, choose "Full Control" for both names.

4. Click the "Security" tab. Click the "Add" button and type "Guests" without quotes and press the "Enter" key. Choose the same permissions as the previous step. Click "OK" twice. The folder is now shared and visible on the local network with no password access required.

Tips & Warnings

• Creating a network share without a password is a security risk. Be sure you want open access to the files in the shared folder before proceeding.

• A firewall configuration may prevent file sharing.