Shared folders and wi-fi

  • Thread starter Thread starter Gary R.
  • Start date Start date
G

Gary R.

I've asked this in the wireless group and the security group with not a
single reply.

If I have shared folders (full, no password set) on my laptop for use on my
home network, which I connect to by wired or WEP protected wireless
(router/cable), when I go to a cafe or hotel that has free internet access
and connect through their wireless, can the other wireless users there see
my folders from Network Places? There is nothing that really matters in the
folders, but it still doesn't seem like a good idea.

I assume the Windows firewall will stop them from writing any files, but can
they see or copy the files? Seems to me I remember when setting up machines
for others, using my home network, that even though the workgroup name was
different, I could see the files...but I could be wrong.

I can use the password protection for full access if I need to, but they
still could see the folders and files. So do I have to disable file sharing
every time I go somewhere?

WinXP home SP2. TIA for any info, or solutions if needed.

Gary
 
Gary said:
If I have shared folders (full, no password set) on my laptop for use on my
home network, which I connect to by wired or WEP protected wireless
(router/cable), when I go to a cafe or hotel that has free internet access
and connect through their wireless, can the other wireless users there see
my folders from Network Places? There is nothing that really matters in the
folders, but it still doesn't seem like a good idea.
Click to expand...

If you turn the WEP off on the connection so as to see that net, and
have folders shared, then others logged in on the same net will be able
to see them. They would have to take steps to view workgroup computers
on the net so as to access yours, but more sensible to have sharing on
only for one folder that you use as a transfer area when at home
 
Thanks for both responses. I think I will do as suggested, just have one
temp folder fully shared for home use, and then just move things out of it
right away to where they belong.

I was a little surprised when I looked at the sharing options for the
current folders I have shared, I'm so used to seeing the "Full access
password" box there as in WinME, but I can't find any such thing in XP
Home...I'd never noticed that before.

Gary
 
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