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Question

How do I share all my folders and files on my home network?

Oct 31, 2014 11:27AM PDT

Microsoft security is a pain in the butt. I am tired of having to set security on individual folders and files to view and share with my personal computers on my personal network. Is there an a simplified setting or method that allows me instantly view and share everything on my network ?

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Where there is CACLS
Nov 1, 2014 1:21AM PDT

CACLS and other command line tools could reduce/remove the number of clicks needed to set the permissions. But I'm finding folk today do not want to learn such tools. So yes and no.
Bob

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not an answer
Nov 1, 2014 1:40AM PDT

I am would like to easily share everything without having set each folders security/permissions setting. I was hoping that there might be a solution that I have overlooked. Microsoft security/permissions makes me miss the good old days of Windows XP.

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Then the wrong OS?
Nov 1, 2014 1:45AM PDT

While CACLS would make it a one line command that you could tie to autorun, some click to make it happen icon or, schedule to make it happen without any more work on your part I take it that you want it to just work.

Maybe this is not the right OS after all?
Bob

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PS. That Guest account.
Nov 1, 2014 1:47AM PDT

Since you may have done your research and more, I forget to not the Guest account. It's a bit dangerous in my opinion since any bad app on your network could wreck havoc. But we all backup what we can't lose so there's that.

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Answer
This Is What I Do To Share On Home Networks
Nov 2, 2014 1:46AM PDT

First, IF any XP computers are on the network, install LLTD on the XP computer to help Vista/Win7 map the XP computer better.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=4F01A31D-EE46-481E-BA11-37F485FA34EA&displaylang=en

1. Plug router into the modem, then connect all computers to the router.. Make sure they all have an internet connection. Then adjust any router settings such as a wireless security password by using the wired computers only.

2. Next, and this is important... Create the EXACT same username on all computers, with the same password, and give that user administrative privileges. (Don't use the default "adminstrator" login.. Create a new admin user on all machines.)

3. On all computers, login using the new username, then change the "Workgroup" to be exactly the same.. (RIGHT click on "Computer", choose "Properties", select "Advance system settings" in the upper left, then click on the "Computer Name" tab. When that opens, click on the "Change" button next to "To rename this computer or join a domain". On the next window, place a dot/tick in the "Workgroup" selection and give the the workgroup a name..) Make sure all computers have the same workgroup name.

4. Make sure all computers have "File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks" enabled. Open the Control Panel/Network & Sharing Center" icon, select "Change Adapter Settings" in upper left, then RIGHT click on the "Local Area Connection" icon, choose "Properties". When that window loads, make sure the box next to "File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks" has a CHECK mark in it.

Also make sure "Network Discovery" is enabled on all your Vista/Win7 computers by opening the same Control Panel/Network & Sharing Center" icon, then select "Change advanced sharing settings". Once there, make sure your "Home or Work" network settings have "Turn ON network discovery" enabled.

5. This next section depends on the version of Windows you're using.. Home versions of Windows 7 are slightly different than Pro versions, but it should give you a starting point. If you're wanting to share folders between computers, On computer 1, share out the files, folders and printers by opening Windows Explorer, RIGHT click on the C: drive, choose "Sharing and Security" or (Share With)-"Advanced Sharing", then click on the "Advanced Sharing" button. At the next window, place a CHECK mark in the "Share this folder on the network", then follow the prompts to share the drive. Click on Apply, then OK.. Perform the same thing on computer 2, etc... You should now be able to see and share folders between computers.

Please note, sharing the entire C: drive per the instructions above is not safe.. IF you're going to share files between computers, it's best, after following the above instructions, to then share out a single folder of your choice, such as the "My Documents" folder.. Once the "My Documents" folder is correctly shared, you can then return to the C: drive and "unshare" it.. After doing so, the "My Documents" folder will remain shared but the entire C: drive will be invisible.

6. In order to share a printer with others on the network, on the computer where the printer is installed, you'll need to click on Start-Device and Printers', then RIGHT click on the installed printer and "Share" it.

If connecting to a shared XP printer from a Vista/Win7 machine, instead of installing a new "network" printer from the Vista/Win7 computer, install the printer as if it was a "local" computer using the instructions below. (Yes, I know it's "network" printer but please try the instructions below.):

Go to Control Panel. Choose printer. Then choose Add Printer.

Choose Add a local printer. Click on Create a new port. The default in the drop down box is Local Port. Do not change that. Click Next.

A dialogue box will appear asking for you to enter a port name. Type in the \\computer name\printer name of the XP machine....ie. My computer's name is basement and the printer name is EpsonSty so I typed in \\basement\epsonsty

Next, see the link below for other networking tips:

http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7589_102-0.html?threadID=264135#2584349

Hope this helps.

Grif

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Answer
Seriously? It's easy, but not advisable
Nov 3, 2014 4:18AM PST

just share the entire drive.

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That was the first thing I tried.
Nov 19, 2014 8:34AM PST

That was the first thing I tried. I set permissions. It did not work.

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was the drive itself shared
Nov 20, 2014 11:58AM PST

but some folders NOT shared? That's what I'd have expected.

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Answer
Security has always been a pain.
Nov 19, 2014 8:48AM PST

Back in the XP days a lot of folks complained that wasn't adequate security in Windows. So MS added it in Windows 7, proving that you have to be careful what you ask for!
One way to accomplish what you want it to pick a folder you want to share, then put all the other folders in that. Then when you share that main folder, you can share all the subfolders too.
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Good luck.