Wired LAN: Network without passwords?

Coldkilla

Diamond Member
Oct 7, 2004
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I'd like to simply turn my PC on, walk away and be at the desktop. But as it stands right now, we have two computers in the house and I have to have it password protected in order to connect to the other PC.

Is it possible to have the two connected computers (that are wired together) become networked without having to use passwords? Thanks!
 

edro

Lifer
Apr 5, 2002
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What operating systems?
The guest account is typically used for this.
 

JackMDS

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 25, 1999
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Enable Guest account.

Make the Guest part of the Admin Group.

Allow Full Access to the Guest.

Please notice that by doing the above you have No Security over the Network.

Every One who mange to log to your Network can do what ever they want to the computers.


In general.

Successful Sharing involves some general consideration in Network settings, http://www.ezlan.net/sharing.html

As well as specific adjustment of each computer according to what it is allowed to be shared.

Vista File and Printer Sharing- http://technet.microsoft.com/e.../library/bb727037.aspx

Windows XP File Sharing - http://support.microsoft.com/d...x?scid=kb;en-us;304040

Printer Sharing XP - http://www.microsoft.com/windo...t/honeycutt_july2.mspx

Windows Native Firewall setting for Sharing XP - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875357

Windows XP patch for Sharing with Vista - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922120
 

Coldkilla

Diamond Member
Oct 7, 2004
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Cool thanks. I'll check em' out.

-Edit: but wouldn't a guess account show up once the computer turns on as one of the login names? I'm trying to keep the computer from showing that screen and load directly into the desktop.

Vista Ultimate (x2) by the way.
 

Jamsan

Senior member
Sep 21, 2003
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Originally posted by: Coldkilla
Cool thanks. I'll check em' out.

-Edit: but wouldn't a guess account show up once the computer turns on as one of the login names? I'm trying to keep the computer from showing that screen and load directly into the desktop.

Vista Ultimate (x2) by the way.

If your ultimate goal is still keep security enabled (disable guest accounts, but allow straight logon to the desktop), go to Start --> Run and type in "control userpasswords2" without the quotes. The screen that comes up will allow you to configure if you require a user logon to the system or not. Uncheck the box that says "Users must enter a username and password to use this computer" and click apply. A prompt will come up asking what you want the default username/password to be at logon, so specifiy whichever account you want. This will allow you to have what you want (sign on without logging in), and still allow you to maintain some security.

Edit: I should mention the above only works in non AD environments, but I'm pretty sure that's what you're working with.
 

Coldkilla

Diamond Member
Oct 7, 2004
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Alright I'll try that. But as for security, we only have 2 PCs. Both are wired, and the other PC is for my brother. If the vulnerability comes from the router, I understand completely. (We have a wireless router but only use the wired capabilities).

I'll check all this out once I get home.
 
Dec 10, 2005
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Originally posted by: Coldkilla
Alright I'll try that. But as for security, we only have 2 PCs. Both are wired, and the other PC is for my brother. If the vulnerability comes from the router, I understand completely. (We have a wireless router but only use the wired capabilities).

I'll check all this out once I get home.

If you only use the wired, you might want to check to make sure the wireless is disabled to prevent someone from borrowing your connection or snooping around on shared files.
 

JackMDS

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 25, 1999
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Originally posted by: Brainonska511

If you only use the wired, you might want to check to make sure the wireless is disabled to prevent someone from borrowing your connection or snooping around on shared files.

Indeed Wireless has to be protected with at least with WPA, otherwise anyone who can get on the Network can access the HD Folders.

I use the process that was descried by me above only on my own system that I am, the sole user.

I would Not use it if there is other computers on Network that are used by other people.

Mistake can be made even when there is No malice, and it can lead to trouble.

In some systems as compromise I make a Folder under C:\ and build a subfolders system under it.

I only open the New Folder to Co-Ownership, so there is No need for a password to log to the Folder and its sub folder.

I copy into this folders the files that are part of the network shares.

However, it is the only the Folder (and its sub Folders) that are available to share. (kind of my own public Share).
 

JackMDS

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 25, 1999
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Originally posted by: Jamsango to Start --> Run and type in "control userpasswords2" without the quotes. The screen that comes up will allow you to configure if you require a user logon to the system or not. Uncheck the box that says "Users must enter a username and password to use this computer" and click apply. A prompt will come up asking what you want the default username/password to be at logon

This process allows you to start the computer and skip the initial logon, it has nothing to do with File Sharing and Network exchange.

 

Jamsan

Senior member
Sep 21, 2003
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Originally posted by: JackMDS
Originally posted by: Jamsango to Start --> Run and type in "control userpasswords2" without the quotes. The screen that comes up will allow you to configure if you require a user logon to the system or not. Uncheck the box that says "Users must enter a username and password to use this computer" and click apply. A prompt will come up asking what you want the default username/password to be at logon

This process allows you to start the computer and skip the initial logon, it has nothing to do with File Sharing and Network exchange.

I'd like to simply turn my PC on, walk away and be at the desktop.