Network Issues, Please help

[Nystral]

I'm running two computers off of a Linksys Switch whihc also connects to a dorm-style network (we're actually an appartment complex but you get the idea). I have things I wish to share on the network, however I want to limit access to those files to those who I know and trust. I want to give them Read Only access to a certain directory. I ahve gone through the process and everyone who I want to access my files is in the same working group.

The issues I am having is that previously under Win98 I could limit access via password protecting the directory. Now I ahve WIndows XP, and I don't know what I need to do. I'm somewhat computer savy, but this is frustrating me. I think I need to create a user account for this system for each person, but that becomes a hassle. If I open the guest account how can I limit the access? The only opetions that XP is giving me is to create a clone of the computer-administrator account, or a "limited" account. However the description doesn't seem to fit my needs.

What I want to do is create a group, in which the members of the group have access to Directory "Shared" and it's subdirectories. People who are not memebers of this group are denied access to the computer entirely. I know I could do this under 2k, and I'm sure it can be done under XP. Where do I look?

So in short, I ahve a computer with a directory I wish to share. I wish to limit access to this directory to members of a group. I do not wish these members to have access to anything other then this directory, and I do not wish these people to show up as log-on options on my start-up screen as they are remote access accounts only. IF POSSIBLE I would aslo like to be able to use the administrator account again. After trying to implement an account for one of these people I lost access to it

Any help appreciated

 

[JustinLerner]

Sounds like you have the XP Home Edition. I don't believe with that version that you can create anything other than a guest account or copy an admin account.

But maybe when you create a share you can specify a specific type of Permission. The one you want to specify is Authenticated Users to make potential users enter a name and password, while having created users or a guest account and password for access. Unfortunately, I don't know if this will work with the limitations of XP Home.

 

[reicherb]

How about setting up and ftp server?

 

[Tiger]

Just go the guest account route and hope the password doesn't get leaked.
I have no idea whether XP limits the number of connections like W2K Pro does (10). If it's the home edition I'd bet on it.

 

[Nystral]

Updated info to adress the responses:

COmputer 1 is a 1.4GHz Atjlon running windows XP Professional
Computer 1 is a 1.1 GHZ Athlon running Windows XP Professional

The AUTHORIZED connecting computers are also all running windows XP Professional. How do I revoke access to those who do not have an account on my computer? Is there a tool that makes the user management easier then the defult Windows XP Professional tool? Where should I lookf or all of this?

Thanks,
Ny

 

[JustinLerner]

I don't know your setup and situation at the college dorm. Part of the problem is may be with the IP address/subnet mask of each computer you want to share with.
If these computers aren't in the same IP network and subnet (not Ethernet network), then they can't get access to your shares. Setting up an FTP server may be your better solution if this is the case.

If you really want to modify the built-in Guest account, you need to work with the MMC and add the Group Policy, User, Security objects, etc. Look at the options and find the ones you want.

If you are all in the same IP subnet, then you should be able to set Authorized Users in Permissions. Then under the Control Panel --> Administrative Tools --> Computer Management --> Local Users --> Local Users, add the names and accounts of each person you want to give access to (you can make new names and passwords if you want or like previously stated, you can create a single GUEST account with one password that you give to those who you want to share with. Then you kinda trust that they don't give the username and password to anyone else.)