TechDish: File and printer sharing for Windows XP

Posted on: Fri, 04/30/2010 - 14:16 — us104_techdish

As part of our Blockbuster TechDish Friday, this tutorial will show you in quick easy steps how to set up file and printer sharing for Windows XP.

To share a drive, folder or printer on Windows XP

1. Open My Computer and locate a drive or folder you would like to share (if sharing a printer, go to Start Menu > Control Panel > Printers & Other Hardware)
2. Right-click on the drive, folder or printer, and select Sharing and Security… from the context menu
   
   
3. If the Network sharing and security warning is displayed, click "If you understand the security risks…"
   
   
4. …and select Just enable file sharing
   
   

5. For files and folders:

   Click the Share this folder on the network checkbox (If this is unavailable, your computer is not on a network. To set up a home or small office network, click the Network Setup Wizard link and follow the instructions to turn on file sharing, then start this process over again). Windows uses the folder name as the default share name, however you can change this as you see fit. Hint: adding a dollar sign ($) to the end of the Share Name will create a "hidden share", which is undiscoverable by simple browsing. Checking the box Allow network users to change my files allows you to remotely copy, save, rename and overwrite your files from other computers on your network. In most instances, this is recommended.
   

6. For printers:

   Select the Share this printer radio button from the list (If this is unavailable, your computer is not on a network. To set up a home or small office network, click the Network Setup Wizard link and follow the instructions to turn on file sharing, then start this process over again). Windows uses the printer name as the default share name, however you can change this as you see fit.
   
   
7. Click Apply, followed by Ok to complete the change
8. If this was successful, the icon next to your folder or printer should now be supported by a small hand
   
   

We're not quite finished yet; now we need to add the shared items to your other computers on your network.

To access a shared drive, folder or printer on Windows XP

For drives and folders:

1. Open My Computer and click Tools > Map Network Drive…
   
   
2. Specify an unused drive letter and enter the network path for the share, or click Browse… to locate the network share. Note: if you created a hidden share, you will have to enter the network path, being sure to include the dollar sign ($). Checking the box Reconnect at logon will ensure the mapping will occur automatically every time you start your computer.
   
   
3. Click Finish. Your mapped drive is now connected and will open in a new window; you'll also see it become available in My Computer.
   
   

You will now be able to transfer files to and from your shared drive!

For printers:

1. In your Start Menu, go to Control Panel > Printers & Other Hardware
2. Click Add a Printer
3. Click Printer Connection and browse the network for your shared printer. Note: if you created a hidden printer share, you will have to enter the network path, being sure to include the dollar sign ($).
4. Click Apply, followed by Ok to complete the change
5. It's a good idea to fire a Test Page at your printer right away to ensure this worked

You are completely finished now!