Disabling Simple File Sharing

Pro Edition:
Note: joining to a domain turns off simple file sharing in XP pro automatically.

1. Open My Computer from the Start Menu or Windows XP Desktop. A new My Computer window will appear.
2. Open the Tools menu and choose the "Folder Options..." option from this menu. A new Folder Options window will appear.
3. Click on the View tab and locate the "Use Simple File Sharing (Recommended)" checkbox in the list of Advanced Settings.
4. To enable Simple File Sharing, ensure this checkbox is checked. To disable Simple File Sharing, ensure this checkbox is not checked. Click inside the checkbox to alternately enable and disable the option.
5. Click OK to close the Folder Options window. The settings for Simple File Sharing are now updated; no computer reboot is required.

Tips:

1. The Simple File Sharing checkbox should be at or near the bottom of the Advanced Settings list in the My Computer Folder Options.
2. Enabling Simple File Sharing prevents the ability to assign user-level passwords to shares. When Simple File Sharing is enabled on a computer, remote users will not be prompted for a password when accessing that computer's shares.

Home Edtion:

You can turn off simple file sharing in Windows XP Professional, but not in Windows XP Home. Don’t worry though, there is a way around this. You won’t get to turn off simple file sharing but you still will be able to modify the settings you want to modify.

• 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.
• Login in as Administrator. You’ll get a warning about running in Safe Mode. Click Yes.
• Find the folder whose permissions you wish to change. Right click on that folder, and select Properties.
• Change the properties of the desired folder(s). Voila. You can now change all the properties of the folder just like you would in Windows 2000.