Re: Basic Network Connections

From: Carrie Garth (PostInGroup_at_invalid.cxg)
Date: 04/25/04 

Date: Sun, 25 Apr 2004 05:51:47 -0500

> "Newsgroup" <hrk_@hotmail.com..INVALID> wrote in message
> news:%23tG9RqeKEHA.1764@TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
> I have a PC with XPPRO and a laptop with WIN2K. I want to connect the two so that
> I can transfer files between them. I have a USB cable connected to both the
> computers. Now the problem(s) I get is/are manifold....
>
> Can not log into the XPPRO system without using the actual administrator account,
> for all others it says no right/permissions held. Can not transfer most files
> between the two systems with system giving message that I do not have
> rights/permissions etc...

By default Windows XP forces all incoming network connections to the "Guest" level of
access (ForceGuest) and Simple File Sharing is enabled. With this model you can
configure five different levels of access to shares and files including "Level 5:
Shared on the Network (Read and Write)" where any user (local or remote) can read,
write, change, or delete a file in a folder shared. This level of access is
recommended only for a closed protected network that has a firewall configured.

To configure a folder to Level 5 Sharing:

- Right-click the folder, and then click Sharing and Security
- Click to select the Share this folder on the network check box, and then click OK.

For more information see the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article:

KB304040 - Description of File Sharing and Permissions in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?Product=winxp&scid=kb;en-us;304040

If you have advanced knowledge of NTFS and share permissions (so that you can keep
your folders and files secure) you can disable ForceGuest and Simple File Sharing
and, thus, have more control over the permissions to individual users (control like
you have on a Windows 2000 computer). To disable simple file sharing:

- Click Start, and then click My Computer.
- On the Tools menu, click Folder Options, and then click the View tab.
- In the Advanced Settings section, click to clear the Use simple file sharing
(Recommended) check box.
- Click OK.

For more information see the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article:

KB307874 - How to disable simplified sharing and set permissions on a
shared folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?Product=winxp&scid=kb;en-us;307874

For more information about "Configuring Shared Folder Permissions" and "Simple
Sharing and ForceGuest" see those sections in following Windows XP Resource Kit
Chapter (access them using the TOC treeview pane):

Windows XP Professional Resource Kit Documentation | Part II Desktop Management |
Ch 6 Managing Files and Folders | Sharing Files and Folders
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/Windows/XP/all/reskit/en-us/prde_ffs_flez.asp

> Difficult to connect between the two, XPPRO does not automatically pick-up the
> other computer, I have to type in the name of the computer to have it show the same
> in the 'network connections'. (I have not used the Network wizard to make a small
> network though). <SNIP>

To gain access to a shared folder on a remote computer in a Workgroup:

- Open My Computer.
- Under Other Places, click My Network Places.
- Under Network Tasks, click View workgroup computers.
- Double-click the remote computer to view the Shared Folders

For more information see the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article:

KB814004 - How to Set Up a Small Network with Windows XP Home Edition (PART 7)
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?Product=winxp&scid=kb;en-us;814004

Alternatively, you can use the Add Network Place Wizard to create a shortcut to the
shared folder. For more information see the following Microsoft Knowledge Base
article:

KB308416 - HOW TO: Create a Shortcut to a Network Location in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?Product=winxp&scid=kb;en-us;308416

And for information on how to map a drive letter to any shared resource on a network
see the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article:

KB308582 - HOW TO: Connect and Disconnect a Network Drive in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?Product=winxp&scid=kb;en-us;308582

Relevant Pages

  • Re: No network but internat works fine
    ... >>> file sharing on the local area network. ... Settings\Username\Desktop" and access that folder from another ... Why do you want to share Program Files? ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.network_web)
  • Re: Networking Win2000Pro to XP-Home w/Router
    ... If you create and share a folder in c:\, such as C:\ABC, could you access ... you may need to run the Network Setup ... You receive an error message when you try to access a shared folder on a ... I re-booted both the laptop and the desktop ...
    (microsoft.public.win2000.networking)
  • RE: Advanced Files Sharing and Workgroups for XP/W98
    ... The Simple File Sharing feature of Windows XP lets you easily share folders ... If you want to grant access to a specific folder on a user-specific basis, ... you cannot disable simple file sharing in Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition. ... Shared Files on the Network ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.security_admin)
  • Re: password for accessing network folders
    ... > and uncheck Use simple file sharing. ... > Windows XP Pro SP2 ... >>I now have the password box come up to access network shares every time I ... >> and it lets me in, after I close the folder, it keeps letting me in ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.network_web)
  • Re: Peer to Peer Network Problem.
    ... I will check the way I have set up the users / permissions. ... >>I have set up a small network for a friends company. ... >>remote users access to this folder. ... > Windows XP Professional File Sharing ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.network_web)