Disable Simple File Sharing in Windows XP Home Edition

If you want to change the security or permissions on a folder in Windows XP Home Edition, it's different from changing them in Windows XP Pro. Since XP Home Edition uses "Simple file Sharing", you won't find the Security tab in Properties with all the Users listed and the option to "Allow" or "Deny". Windows XP Home Edition was not designed for high security networking. It was designed for standalone workstations and home based Workgroup configurations. Fear not, there is a solution, even if it is a bit tedious.

Steps

  1. Restart your computer in "Safe Mode". To do this, follow these steps:
    • Restart your computer. Before you see the Windows XP logo, hold down the F8 key.
    • Select Safe Mode.
  2. Login in as Administrator. You'll get a warning about running in "Safe Mode". Click Yes.
  3. Find the folder whose permissions you wish to change. Right click on that folder, and select Properties.
  4. Select the Security tab and change the permissions of the desired folder(s). You can now change all the permissions of the folder just like you would in Windows 2000.

Tips

  • If you are looking for information on accessing the file permission settings with Windows XP Professional, see the external links.
  • In other versions of Windows such as Media Center and Professional all you have to do is go to Tools --->Folder Options. Then go to the "view" tab. Go to the white box and scroll all the way down and uncheck the box that says "use simple file sharing".

Warnings

  • If you want the changes to apply to all subfolders, click the "Advanced" button and then check the box that says:
  • Replace permission entries on all child objects with entries shown here that apply to child objects.
    That's actually what the message says, but don't be worried by the even more vague warning that's given to you when you hit "OK:"
  • This will remove explicitly defined permissions on all child objects and enable propagation of inheritable permissions to those child objects. Only inheritable permissions propagated from web apps will take effect. Do you want to continue?
    Who said Microsoft programmers don't have the sweet touch?

Related Articles

Retrieved from "https://kipkis.com/index.php?title=Disable_Simple_File_Sharing_in_Windows_XP_Home_Edition&oldid=298140"