Simple File Sharing

Question

Hello Forum Users: I have a Dimension 8400 running XP and an Inspiron 1705 notebook running XP and a Netgear RangeMax NEXT WNR854T Router and am setting up a wireless home network. I want to enable Simple File Sharing so I can access host files and use the printer, etc from the notebook. I follow all the instructions in the Dell Support Journal 07040HHNBZ 'How do I create a workgroup and share a hard drive, folder, or a network printer?' until I get to 'Enable Simple File Sharing'. The 'Use simple file sharing (Recommended)' option that I am told to check under Advanced Settings, View, Folder Options, Tools, My Computer does not appear - thus making it very difficult to select it! What is going on? Thanks for any ideas you may have.

volcano11 · Answer

If you have Windows XP Home, the simple file sharing option is set by default and cannot be changed.  Thus, in XP Home - the option to enable simple file sharing is not present.  Tje option only appears in XP Pro.   Steve

htwob · Answer

Steve - Thanks! It is not obvious how the average user is supposed to know or learn that. I'll press on! The next crisis appears when I follow the instructions to 'Enable the Guest Account in Microsoft Windows XP' - the syntax is up for the DOS command 'net user guest/active:yes'. Maybe this Dell Journal is not the best thing to be using? htwob

volcano11 · Answer

Step 6, should not be done under any version of Windows XP.  It creates a huge security hole.  The Guest Account should never be enabled.    Step 7 is not necessary in XP Home.    The rest of the document looks OK.   Steve

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Simple File Sharing

Was this post helpful?