Windows XP Professional Product Documentation > Networking and the Web > E-mail and the Web

To share a drive or folder on the network

1.

Open Windows Explorer, and then locate the drive or folder you want to share.

2.

Right-click the drive or folder, and then click Sharing and Security.

•	If you are sharing a drive, on the Sharing tab, click If you understand the risk but still want to share the root of the drive, click here.
•	If you are sharing a folder, go to the next step.

3.

Do one of the following:

•	If the Share this folder on the network check box is available, select the check box.
•	If the Share this folder on the network check box is unavailable, this computer is not on a network. If you would like to set up a home or small office network, click the Network Setup Wizard link and follow the instructions to turn on file sharing. Once file sharing is enabled, begin this procedure again.

Note

•	To open Windows Explorer, click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, and then click Windows Explorer.
•	To change the name of your folder on the network, type a new name for your folder in the Share name text box. This will not change the name of the folder on your computer.
•	To allow other users to change the files in your shared folder, select the Allow other users to change my files check box.
•	If you are logged on as a Guest, you cannot create a shared folder.
•	The Sharing option is not available for the Documents and Settings, Program Files, and WINDOWS system folders. In addition, you cannot share folders in other user's profiles

Related Topics

•	Share files and folders on your computer
•	Make your folders private
•	Sharing files and folders overview
•	Using My Computer
•	Home and small office networking overview