Password protect folder share?

[BD2003]

Alright, here's the scenario. I have a desktop and a laptop, and its connected to a wireless router with 3 other computers. (my roomates)

I'd like to keep a few files synchronized between the laptop and the desktop, and I've yet to find an easier way than sharing a folder on the desktop and the laptop, and syncing them.

The problem is that these are private files, emails, pictures, financial accounts etc. I dont want anyone but me to be able to access them, and a simple password would suffice. My roomates arent going to crack the code, I just dont want to leave it wide open.

But apparently I need to have an IT degree to figure out how to do such a thing. Simple file sharing wont let me do it, and advanced is so dense that I dont even know where to begin.

 

[MtnMan]

Go to Windows Explorer, from the menu select Tools > Folder Options > View tab, then scroll to bottom of list and UNcheck the "Use simple file sharing (Recommended)" box.

Now setting up your security should be a snap.

This is all based on the assumption you are running XP

 

[JackMDS]

There are many third party programs that let you Password Protect Folders.

Example: Lock Folder XP.

:sun:

 

[BD2003]

Originally posted by: MtnMan
Go to Windows Explorer, from the menu select Tools > Folder Options > View tab, then scroll to bottom of list and UNcheck the "Use simple file sharing (Recommended)" box.

Now setting up your security should be a snap.

This is all based on the assumption you are running XP

Already got there, but like I said, I dont even know where to begin with user accounts and security over a network.

 

[JackMDS]

In native WinXP you can ZIP a folder and assign a password to the Unzipping proccess.

You can not just assign a password to a folder.

:sun:

 

[BD2003]

Bah, thats too bad. I dont understand why somes things that shuold be so simple are made so complicated.

 

[Genx87]

They are increasing the security of your files by requiring credentials.

 

[BD2003]

In the end, theyre lowering my security, because I cant use a simple protection that would lock out anyone that would try to use it. My roomates are not hackers, and no one is going to break my wireless encryption.

And dont try to tell me that the sharing and security dialog is simple. It is about as far from it as it could possibly be, and I'm far from a noob with PCs.

 

[boran]

seriously, just disable simple sharing and set user permissions, it's right there ... (on yer computer that is)

 

[BD2003]

Sigh. If I knew how, I wouldnt be asking.

 

[n0cmonkey]

This is basically from memory based on a win2k3 box, so use your brain when reading it. If you have questions, definitely respond.

Right click on the shared folder you want to protect.
Select properties.
Select the sharing tab, and click the "Share this folder radial button" (probably already done ).
Click the permissions button.
If "Everyone" is listed there (the word everyone, not a whole bunch of names), select it.
Click the "Full Control" box in the "Deny" column.
Select your username from the list.
Click the "Full Control" box in the "Allow" column.
If there are other usernames there other than yours, remove them.

If you have to add a user to one of these security places:
Click on "Add", Click on "Advanced", Click "Find now." Select the username to add, and hit "Ok," and "Ok."

I think that should do it, give it a shot.

 

[BD2003]

Managed to figure it out by having matching usernames/passwords on the laptop and desktop, but now its denying me access on my own computer to some of my files.

 

[n0cmonkey]

Originally posted by: BD2003
Managed to figure it out by having matching usernames/passwords on the laptop and desktop, but now its denying me access on my own computer to some of my files.

Ensure that you are the owner of the files. The information will be in the security tab in properties, I believe.