What is folder sharing and how does it work?

Sharing a folder means that you are giving other users on the network permission to access the files in the shared folder. When you share a folder, you can set the level of accessibility that others can have when they try to view and/or modify the files in that folder.

Determining your operating system version:

The process of setting up folder sharing may vary depending upon your version of Microsoft® Windows &reg. To determine your Windows version:

1. From the Windows desktop, right-click the Start button, and then select Explore.

Note: On Windows XP, select Explore All Users.

2. On the Start Menu window, choose Help, and then select About Windows.
3. On the About Windows window, check your operating system version. Note this information for future references.

To share a folder:

1. Locate the folder that contains the files you want to share.

Note: If necessary, click Search to locate the desired folder.

2. Right-click the folder you want to share, and then select Properties.
3. On the [folder] Properties window, click the Sharing tab, and select Share this folder.

Note: You can change the name of the shared folder by typing your desired name in the Share name field. Microsoft Windows 95, 98, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (Me), and Microsoft Windows NT limit shared folder names to 12 characters.

4. Follow the instructions for your specific operating system:
   • For Windows 95, 98, and Me, select Full under the Access Type heading.

   Note: If you would like to set a password to limit file accessibility, select Depends on Password and enter your desired password in the Full Access Password field.

   • For Microsoft Windows NT , Microsoft Windows 2000, or Microsoft Windows XP, click Permissions. If you plan to use the data file over the network, make sure to select Allow for the Full Control permission, and then click OK.
5. Click OK.