Share folders on the network with Windows XP.

Note: This is the quickest method to share a folder on the network for non-specific user connection. This method will allow anyone who knows the password you create for the guest account.

Before you can password protect or disable open shares on WindowsXP Pro, you must disable Simple Fire Sharing.

1. Click Start, and then click My Computer.

2. On the Tools menu, click Folder Options, and then click the View tab.

3. In the Advanced Settings section, clear the "Use simple file sharing (Recommended)" check box.

4. Click OK.

To close your open shares, do the following:

1. Right click My computer on the desktop, then click Manage.

2. Double-Click on Shared Folders.

3. Then, click on Shared Files.

4. In the right-hand pane, you will now see a list of all the files your computer currently has shared.

5. You will see some folders that have names followed by a dollar sign ($). These are administrative shares, and by default are passworded. You cannot remove them. These administrative shares are allowed because they are passworded by default.

6. Right-click the first folder in this list that does not end with the dollar sign (for example c$) and choose "Close share."

7. Repeat this process for each folder in the list.

Windows XP Pro automatically creates a Guest Account, which allows anonymous users access to shared resources on your computer. People who attempt to access shared folders that are explicitly shared will not have to enter a password to gain access to those resources. Please be aware that you should have a password for all shared folders on the network, so you may need to password protect your guest account. By default, this account is disabled when Windows XP Pro is installed. If you want to share files with network users, password protect your Guest Account by following the steps below.

1. Right-click on "My Computer" and click on "Manage"

2. Click on "Local Users and Groups" and then click on "Users".

3. Right-click the Guest account in the right portion of the window and select "Properties"

4. The only boxes that should be checked are "Password never expires" and "User cannot change password."

5. Click OK.

6. Right-click on the Guest Account again, and choose "Set Password." Enter a secure password for network users to use when accessing your shares.