Can I pick and chose what drives to share with what computers?

[Terry]

I have a home network with two desktops. I copy back and forth
between the two desktops.

I also have a laptop. I would like to restrict the laptop to only be
able to access the Internet and not the shared drives so when my niece
and nephew come over they don't have access to my network drives.

Can this be done?

 

[Steven L Umbach]

There are various ways to do that. One way to control "computer" access is
to modify the scope for Windows Firewall file and print sharing exception to
only contain the IP address of the other desktop that you want to be able to
access shares on the computer. But for that to work you will need to
configure each desktop computer to have static IP configuration that will be
compatible with your internet connection/router connection.

In your case probably the easiest thing to do would be to disable the Client
for Microsoft Networks in the properties of your network adapter which will
then prevent access to any network shares. Go to Control Panel-network
connections. Find your local area connection network adapter [or adapters].
Right click to select properties and uncheck Client for Microsoft Networks.
When done verify that you can not access shares on your desktop computers.
Understand however that any user that is also a local administrator [which
is typical on most home computers] can enable Client for Microsoft Networks
if they know how to and desire to.

Steve