Iowa State University IT

File and Print Sharing for Windows (WGG 277)

Enabling a network connection to your computer carries with it certain security risks. The file and print sharing feature opens up security holes and can provide an easy way for your computer to be infected with a virus. It is suggested that you only use file and print sharing if you need it and when you are done using the feature that you disable it.

These instructions are provided for convenience only. The Solution Center and AIT do not provide assistance in the use of file and print sharing. These instructions do provide a more secure method for using file and print sharing, but it is not completely secure. Use these instructions only if you absolutely need to use file and print sharing. If you are going to be sharing files, keep your virus protection up-to-date.

If you are using file and print sharing off-campus, you will need to install and run Virtual Private Network (VPN) software to connect. Information for VPN can be found in the handout, "Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) with the Iowa State Network (Windows 98, 2000, XP)" (WNG 334), at http://www.ait.iastate.edu/pubs/wng334/.

1 Enabling File and Print Sharing

When you enable file and print sharing, you are opening up your computer to security holes. Only have this on as long as you need to share files; when you are done using file and print sharing, go to section 4 and follow the steps to disable it.

1.1 Windows 98/ME Setup

  1. Go to Start -> Settings -> Control Panel.
  2. Double-click on Network.
  3. Click on the File and Print Sharing button under the configuration tab. (If the File and Print Sharing button is grayed out, you must install Client for Microsoft Networks. Click Add, double-click Client, highlight Microsoft in the left window and Client for Microsoft Networks in the right window. Click OK.)
  4. Check the box "I want to be able to give others access to my files" to share files. Check the box "I want to be able to give others access to my printer" to share your printer.

  5. Click on the Identification tab.
  6. Type in a unique name for your computer name. You will want to pick one that is not already in use on the network.
  7. Type in iastate for your workgroup.
  8. Click OK to close the Network control panel.

1.2 Windows 2000/XP Setup

  1. Double-click My Computer. Double-click Control Panel. Double-click Network Connections.
  2. Double-click the icon for Local Area Connection.
  3. Click Properties.
  4. Click Installand double-click Service.
  5. Click File and Print Sharing for Microsoft Networks and click OK.

2 Setting Up File Sharing for Folders

2.1 Windows 98/ME

  1. Select the folder that you want to share. It is not recommended that you select a whole drive or the windows folders. It is best if you select a particular folder for sharing.
  2. Right-click on the folder that you want to share and select Sharing.
  3. Select Shared As.
  4. Create a name for your shared folder.
  5. Under Access Type, check either Read-Only or Depends on Password.
  6. Set different passwords for read-only and full access if enabled. Be sure to use letters and numbers in your password to increase security.
  7. Click OK.
  8. When you are done sharing, right-click on the folder again, select Sharing and select Not Shared.
  9. Go to section 4 to disable file sharing when not in use.

2.2 Windows 2000/XP

For the following steps to be accurate in Windows XP Pro, you must first disable Simple File Sharing. Go to the Folder Options Control Panel, click the view tab, and under Advanced Settings uncheck "Use simple file sharing."

  1. Select the folder that you want to share. It is not recommended that you select a whole drive or the windows folders. It is best if you select a particular folder for sharing.
  2. Right-click on the folder that you want to share and select Sharing.
  3. Click Share this folder.
  4. Create a name for your shared folder.
  5. Set the desired user limit.
  6. Click Permissions.
  7. Grant access to the desired users or groups.
  8. Set the desired type of access.

Important: The default level of sharing in Windows 2000/XP grants Full Access to Everyone. It is highly recommended that you grant access only to those users who need access. If you decide to grant access to Everyone, you may want to change the type of access to Read.

3 Setting Up Network Neighborhood

The following are just tips for setting up Network Neighborhood. This function often does not work because of the vendor design. Network Neighborhood often gives unpredictable results, with one roommate seeing hundreds of computers and the other roommate only seeing a dozen or less. The Solution Center does not answer questions regarding Network Neighborhood. However, these tips often make Network Neighborhood work better.

    • Go to Start -> Settings -> Control Panel.
    • Double-click Network.
    • If Client for Microsoft Networks is not listed as an installed protocol:
      • Click Add.
      • Click Client.
      • Click Add.
      • On the left select Microsoft and on the right select Client for Microsoft Networks.
      • Click OK.
  2. Install File and Print Sharing.
    • Go to Start -> Settings -> Control Panel.
    • Double-click Network.
    • If File and Print sharing is not listed as an installed protocol, click Add, select Service, and then click Add. Then highlight Microsoft and select File and Print Sharing for Microsoft Networks.
  3. Log in with a non-blank password.
    • Click Start -> Log off or Start -> Shutdown and select Log Off.
    • When a screen comes up asking for a username and password, put in a new username and any password that isn?t blank, e.g., ISU.
  4. [Windows 98/ME only] Select IASTATE workgroup.
    • Go to Start -> Settings -> Control Panel.
    • Double-click Network.
    • Select the Identification tab.
    • Fill in the workgroup line with IASTATE.
  5. [Window 98/ME only] Set up WINS servers.
    • Go to Start -> Settings -> Control Panel.
    • Double-click Network.
    • Select the TCP/IP protocol for your Ethernet card and click properties.
    • Click on the WINS Configuration tab.
    • Click Enable WINS Resolution and type in the following two IP numbers for the servers:
      129.186.142.179
      129.186.142.189

4 Disabling File and Print Sharing

4.1 Windows 98/ME

  1. Go to Start -> Settings -> Control Panel.
  2. Double-click Network.
  3. Select the configuration tab.
  4. Click File and Print Sharing.
  5. Make sure both boxes are unchecked and then click OK.
  6. Click OK to exit the network window.

4.2 Windows 2000/XP

  1. Go to Start -> Settings -> Control Panel.
  2. Double click the icon for Local Area Connection.
  3. Click Properties.
  4. Uncheck File and Print Sharing for Microsoft Networks.
  5. Click OK.

File and Print Sharing for Windows was written by Solution Center staff.
For more assistance, contact the Solution Center, 195 Durham Center, 515-294-4000, or by e-mail at solution@iastate.edu.