Sharing Files in a Windows XP Workgroup

After testing the connectivity of our network we can then start sharing files between computers in the same Workgroup.

A folder called Shared Docs contains all the files and folders you are sharing. You can find it by clicking on My Computer.

To share a folder, right click on it. Click on Sharing and Security... and follow the instructions under Network sharing and security.

Items can also be copied to the Shared Docs folder to be shared.

To see what is being shared amongst your Workgroup you can click on My Network Places.

Unfortunately, Windows seems to be unreliable as regards displaying the Network Places so it is often empty.

It may correctly be empty though due to Software Firewalls running on networked PCs. So turn these off on PCs where you want to view the files. The Router will provide the Firewall for the Network to the outside world.

If your PC accesses the Internet directly, then you must leave the Software Firewall turned on.

To allow other computers full access to your PC through your Firewall, you can add a trusted IP address range to your Firewall configuration.

To access shared files on a computer called WANDA from Windows Explorer enter \\WANDA into the address bar. Please use back slashes to avoid it trying to connect to the Internet.

In case you were wondering how to password protect shared files in Windows, the answer is "you can't". You have to use other software such as WinZip.

Next we will Setup a Wireless Network.