How to share files and folders?

I work on my Desktop most of the time, however, when I have to work on my laptop which is networked for internet, printer and file sharing, I want to be able to access my main files on my desktop so that I don't have to copy my files over. How do I set sharing on the applications across my network so that when I click on an icon on my desktop that I am actually opening the application on my desktop?

This question was answered on October 19, 2004. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

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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

Notes

To open Windows Explorer, click Start, point to 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

About the author

Posted by gilbert of Katharine Gibbs School - New York on October 19, 2004

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