Accessing user files

[Guest]

When we first set up this computer, my wife and I (and kid) all set up user
accounts and passwords. This grew tedious and we removed the passwords, but
cannot see each other's documents, pictures, music, etc. We like having our
own desktops set up "just so" and wallpaper and such, but want to be able to
share files again. How? Thanks!

 

[Malke]

When we first set up this computer, my wife and I (and kid) all set up user
accounts and passwords. This grew tedious and we removed the passwords, but
cannot see each other's documents, pictures, music, etc. We like having our
own desktops set up "just so" and wallpaper and such, but want to be able to
share files again. How? Thanks!

Put files you wish to share in the Shared Documents, Shared Music,
Shared Pictures folders. That's what those folders are for.


Malke

 

[Guest]

Yes, I know about doing that, but that's not what I'm asking. In Documents
and Settings, there is a folder with each of our names. Before passwords
were applied, we could open those folders and see all of the contents. Now
we can't. We particularly want to be able to see what our son has in there
that he has NOT moved to the shared folders. I hope I'm asking it more
clearly. Thanks.

 

[Malke]

Yes, I know about doing that, but that's not what I'm asking. In Documents
and Settings, there is a folder with each of our names. Before passwords
were applied, we could open those folders and see all of the contents. Now
we can't. We particularly want to be able to see what our son has in there
that he has NOT moved to the shared folders. I hope I'm asking it more
clearly. Thanks.

It sounds like each person made their Documents private when they
applied the password.

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/books/homeandofficeuser/tips/040402.asp
- How to make My Documents Private in XP Home

http://windowsxp.mvps.org/undoprivate.htm - Ramesh - How to undo "Make
this folder private" option"


Malke

 

[Guest]

Malke - I think that's what I need. Thanks. Question: If our son happens
to think he's smart and puts a password back on and markes his folder private
again, is there a way for me to circumvent that without blasting his password
and monitor his folders? I don't want to be a snoopy parent, but on the
other hand, I want to make sure he's not heading for trouble. Thanks again.

 

[Guest]

Perhaps answering my own question, I should be able to see any user's folders
if I log in as the Administrator (Big A), correct? Thanks again.

 

[Malke]

Perhaps answering my own question, I should be able to see any user's folders
if I log in as the Administrator (Big A), correct? Thanks again.

You should be able to see any other account when logged in on any
account with administrative privileges if the account was not made private.

Here is my standard computer security blurb. The actions may be overkill
for your situation, but only you can make that decision.

Any computer running any operating system can be accessed by someone
with 1) physical access; 2) time; 3) skill; 4) tools. There are a few
things you can do to make it a bit harder though:

1. Set a password in the BIOS that must be entered before booting the
operating system. Also set the Supervisor password in the BIOS so BIOS
Setup can't be entered without it.

2. From the BIOS, change the boot order to hard drive first.

3. Set strong passwords on all accounts, including the built-in
Administrator account.

4. If you leave your own account logged in, use the Windows Key + L to
lock the computer (and/or set the screensaver/power saving) when you
step away from the computer and require a password to resume.

5. Make other users Limited accounts in XP Home, regular user accounts
in XP Pro.

6. Set user permissions/restrictions:

a. If you have XP Pro, you can set user permissions/restrictions with
Group Policy (Start>Run>gpedit.msc [enter]) but be careful. Using the
Policy Editor can be tricksy. Questions about Group Policy should be
posted in its newsgroup: microsoft.public.windows.group_policy.

b. If you have XP Home, you can use MVP Doug Knox's Security Console or
the MS Shared Computer Toolkit. The Toolkit can also be used in XP Pro
and may be easier for a newbie than using Group Policies.

http://www.dougknox.com
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sharedaccess/default.mspx
microsoft.public.windows.sharedaccess - Toolkit newsgroup

Please understand that these are technical responses to what is
basically a non-technical problem and there are ways around all of these
precautions. This is a family/interpersonal issue that can't be solved
by technical means.


Malke