File Permissions across a peer network

[Ritter]

I have 2 WinXP computers linked by USB-USB to make a peer
network. The hard disks on each computer are formatted as
NTFS. One of the primary purposes of the peer network is to
synchronize files between the two computers. Unfortunately,
I keep getting error message when I try to access certain
folders across the network (and a suggestion to check with
the administrator to see if I have permissions for the
folder). I am just trying to access individual "My
Documents" folders, so the problem is NOT with open or
system files.

I enabled sharing on each drive and verified that sharing
was active for the peer network connection properties. I
even tried sharing the individual folders on a drive. This
worked in a couple of cases, but I still have zero access
to certain User Account folders within Documents and
Settings. None of these problem folders are password
protected or "private." And I have administrator
privaledges. Any idea why I cannot access files over the
network?

 

[Guest]

This problem occurs if you try to access "My Documents"
folders of other users on just one computer, too. Only if
you are the original administrator on a computer can you
access other users' "My Documents" folders. You aren't
supposed to be able to access them, even if they were on
the same computer. I would just copy the files you want to
access to another directory.

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

I have 2 WinXP computers linked by USB-USB to make a peer
network. The hard disks on each computer are formatted as
NTFS. One of the primary purposes of the peer network is to
synchronize files between the two computers. Unfortunately,
I keep getting error message when I try to access certain
folders across the network (and a suggestion to check with
the administrator to see if I have permissions for the
folder). I am just trying to access individual "My
Documents" folders, so the problem is NOT with open or
system files.

I enabled sharing on each drive and verified that sharing
was active for the peer network connection properties. I
even tried sharing the individual folders on a drive. This
worked in a couple of cases, but I still have zero access
to certain User Account folders within Documents and
Settings. None of these problem folders are password
protected or "private." And I have administrator
privaledges. Any idea why I cannot access files over the
network?

I'm sorry, but that's how Windows XP works when it's installed on an
NTFS disk partition using the default "simple file sharing" setting.
It blocks access to the Program Files and Windows folders and to
individual users' folders within Documents and Settings. I don't know
why Microsoft designed it that way.

You can share subfolders within those folders, e.g. you can share
"C:\Program Files\Outlook Express" or "C:\Documents and
Settings\Username\Desktop" and access that folder from another
computer on the network.

If you have Windows XP Professional, you can permanently disable
simple file sharing, which removes those sharing restrictions:

1. Open My Computer and click Tools | Folder Options | View.
2. Scroll to the end of the advanced settings.
3. Un-check "Use simple file sharing (recommended).

If you have Windows XP Home Edition, there's no easy solution. The
safest thing is to share individual subfolders, as mentioned above.

You can re-install the operating system on a FAT or FAT32 disk
partition -- those disk formats don't have any sharing restrictions.
However, that would lose the benefits of NTFS, which is more reliable
and efficient and can use larger disks. You'd also need to re-install
all of your applications.

I've heard of two possible solutions for XP Home Edition on an NTFS
disk partition. Before I give them, I want to emphasize that:

1. They're un-supported, un-documented, and un-tested.

2. There's no guarantee that they'll work.

3. They might cause data loss or corruption.

4. Microsoft and your computer manufacturer probably won't offer
technical support if they cause problems.

5. Don't blame me if they cause problems. I warned you.

If you want to try them, at your own risk:

1. Back up all of your important data first so that you can restore it
in case of problems.

2. Run System Restore to create a restore point that you can go back
to in case of problems.

OK. With those danger signs flashing and alarm bells ringing, here
they are:

1. Start Windows XP in "Safe Mode with Networking" (which temporarily
disables "Simple File Sharing"), share the desired folder(s), set the
permissions, and reboot normally, or:

2. Follow the procedure shown here:

http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_home_sectab.htm
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

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