how can i view the shared folders w/out entering password?

[dfarrales]

i've got a 2 pc network (for now) running thru a linksys router. both pc's are running xp pro. i ran the network setup on my pc first and then on my wife's pc. she can view the shared folders on my pc fine. i cannot view the shared folders on her pc. when i try, it brings up a window w/ the title "Connect to bear" ('bear' is the name given to her pc) and it asks for user name and password. one way around this i found was to issue myself a user name on her pc WITH a password. if i do this and enter that info in the "connect to bear" window, i can view the shared files fine. this is fine but i'd much rather be able to just click on her pc from mine and view the files w/out having to go thru the username/password screen. i've compared all her settings w/ my settings and can't figure out why it allows her to view my shared folders w/out a password but it won't let me do the same w/ hers.

any help???

thanks,
Deo

 

[rw120555]

I use Windows XP Simple File Sharing on my home network. (Also see this for a bare bones explanation.) You don't have to mess with user permissions and passwords then. It is less secure but it sounds like that is what you want. I use the "hidden share" method, described in the first link, for folders I want access to and don't want to risk my family members somehow screwing up (it also provides some security just in case somebody broke through my wireless security measures.)

EDIT: Also, as pointed out in the first link, be careful that the internet connection firewall is turned off, as it can block file and printer sharing when you are using a router.

 

[dfarrales]

i tried that last night (making sure both pc's had simple file sharing enabled) and it still didn't work. i didn't check to see if my wife's ICF was on, though. i know my pc isn't ICF enabled. i also check out those links you posted.

would her's being enabled cause it to ask me for a username/pswrd?

thanks,
Deo

 

[dfarrales]

ok, so i'm now able to view the shared folders (well, almost). i just created my username on her pc w/out a password, just like i logon to my pc. new problem occured: i selected a folder to be shared on her pc, under 'my documents'. it's just my folder on her system. i can see and access the 'shared folder' and i can see the 'deo' folder but it won't let me access it. inside that folder are several files and another folder called 'work'. i went and selected the 'work' folder to be shared. now, from my pc i can see AND access the 'work' folder but i can ONLY see the 'deo' folder.

can't figure this out???? both folders were selected for simple file sharing and all the share properties are the same. anyone have a clue about this???

thanks,
Deo