Passwording a shared folder in XP

In XP you can set the permissions for each person instead of having to worry about passwords. When you share a folder you can add permissions for user 1 to only read, and user2 to read/write/or even full control. Furthermore, when you set NTFS permissions, you can use "special permissions" and block anybody from deleting anything.

If you have simple file sharing enabled - the default in XP, you can't set permissions on folders.

In XP Home, you can't anyway, but in Xp Pro if you disable Simple File Sharing, (Tools > Folder Options > View - it is right down the bottom), you can set permissions on folders and files.

Be careful though, too restrictive a permission structure can be a pain.

Good luck

Alan

First thing you need to do in XP Pro is double click my computer, go to tools, folder options I think, and go to the view tab. Scroll to the bottom and uncheck use simple file sharing. Now when you right click a folder and go to properties you will get a security tab and can set permissions within there. It is possible in XP home as well but you must go into safemode to set first. Restart the computer and press F8 to get into safemode and from there you should be able to set permissions on files and folders. All of this assumes of course you are running NTFS and not a FAT partion or you will need to convert it first.

Sharing permissions with XP will vary depending on the typ of format you are using. NTFS will allow individual folder/file rights but if your current format is FAT32 file sharing and security options for individual files/folders are not available. If you are not sure which format you are using, go to windows explorer and right click on C:, then choose properties form the drop down list. The properties screen will display your drive info including the format type.