accessing shared files over the internet

[david]

I have an XP home system set up with network shared
files. When I connect to my local private network the
shares are accessible ok from other systems. If I now
connect the system to the internet via a dsl modem, it is
not accessible from systems on the internet. The ip
address is correct and it can be pinged, but any attempt
to see the system and it's shared files does not
succeed. From a remote system I use \\<ipaddress> in the
start->run dialog. This works on my private network, but
not over the internet. Is there any fundamental reason
this should not work? Any assistance or advise is
welcome.

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

I have an XP home system set up with network shared
files. When I connect to my local private network the
shares are accessible ok from other systems. If I now
connect the system to the internet via a dsl modem, it is
not accessible from systems on the internet. The ip
address is correct and it can be pinged, but any attempt
to see the system and it's shared files does not
succeed. From a remote system I use \\<ipaddress> in the
start->run dialog. This works on my private network, but
not over the internet. Is there any fundamental reason
this should not work? Any assistance or advise is
welcome.

Sharing files over the Internet requires opening ports that hackers
can exploit to break into your computer. Some ISPs (e.g. Comcast)
block file and printer sharing as a security measure.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

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