protecting folders and files

[robert]

ok, as administrator I went into "user accounts" from
control panel to set up a password for the computer. No
problem there! At the same time there was a check box
that stated something like, "do you want windows to
protect your folders and files?"

I mistakenly checked that box. This was only done on my
computer which is networked with three other computers on
a workgroup. NOW, no one can access the folders and files
on my computer. HOW DO I REVERSE the action?

I've tried deleting the password and setting it up again,
but the "do you want windows to protect your folders and
files" checkbox is no longer an option. The properties
sharing window for my folders and/or files has the "make
this folder (or file) private" checkbox checked, BUT that
option is now grayed out and I cannot "uncheck" the box.

HELP PLEASE and Thank you!

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

XP PRO: In Windows Explorer, go to Tools, Folder Options, View and uncheck
Use Simple File Sharing. Now, when you right click on a drive, folder or
file (on an NTFS partition) and select Properties, you'll see a Security
tab. Here you can assign or deny permissions based on user name or user
group membership.

XP Home: By default, you can only make files and folders under My Documents
"private". This is done by right clicking a folder or file and selecting
Properties, Sharing. To change the permissions on other folders, you need
to boot the computer to Safe Mode and log in on the built in Administrator
account. In this mode, you'll see the Security tab in Properties, and you
can assign permissions based on user name or group membership.

How Do I Get the Security Tab in Properties - XP Home (makes the Security
tab appear outside of Safe Mode)
http://www.dougknox.com, Win XP Tips section

HOW TO: Set, View, Change, or Remove File and Folder Permissions in Windows
XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308418

HOW TO: Set, View, Change, or Remove Special Permissions for Files and
Folders
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;308419

HOW TO: Disable Simplified Sharing and Password-Protect a Shared Folder in
Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;307874

 

[Robert]

Perhaps I was not clear. While creating a computer
password as Administrator, there is a final option
stating, "Windows can make your folders and files
private..." I mistakenly said "yes" to that option and
now no other computers on the WORKGROUP (not a Domain)
can access my computer's folders. On the "sharing" tab on
my folders, the option, "Make this folder private" is
checked, but the option is grayed out. Since it is grayed
out I cannot change it. Also grayed out and checked is
the option, "Share this folder on the network." How do I
make these options black and white so that I can uncheck
(or check) a particular option, especially the one
stating, "Make this folder private"? I want others in the
Workgroup to access my folders.

Thank you.

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

Use the steps listed to turn off Simple File Sharing. This will give you
the full Security tab, where you can assign user and group access to your
files and folders from the network.

--
Doug Knox, MS-MVP Windows XP/ Windows Smart Display
Win 95/98/Me/XP Tweaks and Fixes
http://www.dougknox.com

 

[Guest]

OK, I get it now. That worked. I turned off Simple File Sharing and gave permission to "Everyone." It worked. Thanks. Sorry I was so ignorant. But, hey, you're the pro

Thanks again!