File sharing security

[Robertm]

Before enabling file sharing, I'd like to control access to the folder.
Windows seems to speak about this but when I use the network setup wizard it
gives only two choices, sharing enabled or disabled. I'd like to enable
sharing but deny access if the person doesn't have the correct password. Is
this possible with XP Home? The help section says to password protect
folders but doesn't say how to do it. I can buy a utility that will encrypt
files and folders but if Windows XP has the capability, I'll let Windows do
it.

Bob

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

Before enabling file sharing, I'd like to control access to the folder.
Windows seems to speak about this but when I use the network setup wizard it
gives only two choices, sharing enabled or disabled. I'd like to enable
sharing but deny access if the person doesn't have the correct password. Is
this possible with XP Home? The help section says to password protect
folders but doesn't say how to do it. I can buy a utility that will encrypt
files and folders but if Windows XP has the capability, I'll let Windows do
it.

Bob

I'm sorry, but Windows XP doesn't have passwords for shared disks and
folders. If the help section says that XP has passwords, it's wrong.
What's the title of that section?

Here are some ways to control access in Home Edition.

1. Create a hidden share and only tell selected people about it. I've
written a web page with details:

Windows XP Simple File Sharing
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp/filesharing.htm

2. Assign a password to the "Guest" account. When other people try
to access anything on your computer, they'll be prompted to enter the
password:

a. Click Start | Run.
b. Type "control userpasswords2" in the box and click OK.
c. Under "Users for this computer", click Guest.
d. Click Reset Password, enter a password, and click OK.

3. Create a compressed folder and define a password for it. Everyone
who accesses the folder, from the local computer or from the network,
must specify the password to access the files in the compressed
folder. This Microsoft Knowledge Base article has details:

HOW TO: Use Compressed (Zipped) Folders in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;306531
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

 

[Robertm]

Since I am the only user and I'm the only one who has physical access to
both computers, maybe I don't need any passwords and security. I'm using a
Router with double firewall Netgear RP614. Am I protected from the bad stuff
on the Internet? I don't need protection between the two computers, only
need to be protected from someone on the other side of the router and modem.

Bob

 

[Guest]

Steve, it sounds like I could use your idea of hidden share files with a VPN?
The VPN user would be the one to have the files hidden from him except for
the one that he needs. Also, on the issue of a VPN, would this work with MS
Home on both computers and a VPN router at the host.? Any other issues that I
should be Aware of?

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

Since I am the only user and I'm the only one who has physical access to
both computers, maybe I don't need any passwords and security. I'm using a
Router with double firewall Netgear RP614. Am I protected from the bad stuff
on the Internet? I don't need protection between the two computers, only
need to be protected from

Bob

With your setup, you don't need any passwords or security to control
access from one of your computers to the other one.

Your router/firewall protects your computers from access by someone on
the other side of the router and modem. However, it doesn't protect
them from viruses and spyware, so you need programs for that.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

Steve, it sounds like I could use your idea of hidden share files with a VPN?
The VPN user would be the one to have the files hidden from him except for
the one that he needs. Also, on the issue of a VPN, would this work with MS
Home on both computers and a VPN router at the host.? Any other issues that I
should be Aware of?

I'm sorry, but I don't know enough about VPNs to answer your
questions.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com