Share folders only with workgroup members - how to

[Bill W]

Friends are visiting from out of state and connected to my secure home
network with their laptop for internet access. We were surprised that they
could also see my shared folders even though our workgroup names are
different.

Is there a way to restrict shared folder access to only members of my
workgroup - specifically, allow only the 3 computers (2-XP, 1-Vista) on my
home network to see each other's shared folders?

Thank you.

 

[Malke]

Friends are visiting from out of state and connected to my secure home
network with their laptop for internet access. We were surprised that
they could also see my shared folders even though our workgroup names are
different.

Is there a way to restrict shared folder access to only members of my
workgroup - specifically, allow only the 3 computers (2-XP, 1-Vista) on my
home network to see each other's shared folders?

Workgroups are a cosmetic organizational device only; they provide no
security. Security for files/folders is not done by computer (Workgroup
members) but by *user*.

Vista Identity Management and Access Control - TechNet -
http://tinyurl.com/6fncvr

How to disable Simple Sharing and set permissions on a shared folder in
Windows XP (Pro only)
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=307874

How to configure file sharing in Windows XP (includes information about
permissions):
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/304040

By default in XP Home, you can only make files and folders under My
Documents "private". Otherwise, to see the security tab in WinXP Home,
restart in Safe mode and log on with an account that has administrator
privileges. To get into Safe Mode, repeatedly tap the F8 key as the
computer is starting up. This will get you to the menu where you can choose
Safe Mode.

Note that the file system must be NTFS, not FAT32.

Malke

 

[Malke]

Thank you for your help. This is exactly what I need. Thanks again.

You're very welcome. Happy to help.

Malke

 

[Bill W]

Thank you for your help. This is exactly what I need. Thanks again.

 

[Steve Winograd [MS-MVP]]

Friends are visiting from out of state and connected to my secure home
network with their laptop for internet access. We were surprised that they
could also see my shared folders even though our workgroup names are
different.

Is there a way to restrict shared folder access to only members of my
workgroup - specifically, allow only the 3 computers (2-XP, 1-Vista) on my
home network to see each other's shared folders?

Thank you.

No, there isn't. Workgroups serve no practical purpose. In
particular, they don't provide any type of access control.

A computer in any workgroup can access a computer in any workgroup.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Desktop Experience)

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