Share one folder only

[RobCr]

Share one folder only
Hi,
I have two XP Pro machines.
I have an ADSL Modem that has two sockets, so there is one is connected to each PC. Thus I have no need to share the Internet connection via the NICs.
I have a cat cable between Ethernet sockets on each PC.
I have used the Wizard to setup Network sharing on one of them.
I followed it's advice and did not enable file and Printer sharing.
That raised questions in my head, so I have been Googling.
I have not set anything up yet on the 2nd PC, as I wanted to get the first PC right first.
I wish to have a folder called C:\TR on one PC, and I wish to share it (read/write), with the other PC.
I hoped it would be as simple as right clicking and allowing it (that folder only) to be shared. But it only offers to turn on File Sharing.
I can live with the risk that the world can see that folder, as I will delete the contents, after any 'transfer'.
Surely it should not be too hard to share only one folder ?
(My Googling appears to indicate it is difficult.)

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Rob

[Rootstonian]

Here's what I've done on XP machines.

Turn on file and print sharing.
Make sure both computers are in same workgroup
Run the Network Wizard (some say this not necessary, but I run it)
Setup your folder and make it "Shared"

You shouldn't have to set any permissions up on XP; Vista can be a little fussier about security.

I take it you have a crossover cable and the non-Internet shared PC has a static private IP address? Without a router, you need some type of firewall to prevent outside access.

You may want to add a cheapo router to your setup; you'll get it's inherent firewall capability and you can do away with the crossover and plug both machines into router (and get the bonus of having Internet on both )

I've been on a home network for years and years; plus on the Web. I always run Virus software, I BLOCK all cookies from my PC besides the sites I need them and run AdAware and CCleaner on a weekly basis. Also backup my PC's 4 times a week.

Knock on wood, I've NEVER had a problem with virus or malware or hacker intrusions. Oh, and "Surf Smart" LOL

[RobCr]

Originally Posted by Rootstonian

Turn on file and print sharing.
Make sure both computers are in same workgroup
Run the Network Wizard (some say this not necessary, but I run it)
Setup your folder and make it "Shared"

I take it you have a crossover cable and the non-Internet shared PC has a static private IP address? Without a router, you need some type of firewall to prevent outside access.

You may want to add a cheapo router to your setup; you'll get it's inherent firewall capability and you can do away with the crossover and plug both machines into router (and get the bonus of having Internet on both )

Thanks for response.

The modem probably was intended as a single ADSL connection. however it has an Ethernet and a USB socket. So for quite a while now, I have had both PC's using that single modem (one via USB, and the other via Ethernet). As best I can tell they are non-static IP addresses. And there appears to be two separate connections. So no Internet sharing is required on my nic's network.
I rang the ISP (iPrimus in Australia) months ago, and they confirmed that two PC's can both have a connection to the Internet.

If I turn on file and printer sharing, does that not mean that the lot is accessible (agh!) ?. That was the impression that I got from the Network Wizard.
Or are you saying, that is true, but if I use a router, that will protect me from 'web people' ?
I am going to a computer swap meet tomorrow. Do I just buy a 'router', or is there anything specific I should ask for ?

Since I am only going to have that folder (C:\TR) on the 1st PC, I am guessing that the 2nd PC will not need to share any of it's folders with anyone (including my 1st PC) ?
The 2nd PC will just peep across, and read or write to C:\TR on the 1st PC.

Thanks,
Rob

[Rootstonian]

Only the files or folders you share will be available to the other PC. On my screenshot there is a bunch of other data on that parition and a whole other 400 gig partition; I don't share it, I don't see it.

I would go ahead and get the router...non-wireless. You'll plug the ethernet from the modem into the WAN port of the router and the 2 PC's into the remaining ports (4 is common). Turn on DHCP in the router and you should be fine.

Alternatively, you can just keep your setup and add a good firewall; that should keep the nasties away!

[RobCr]

I will give what you have said a try.

Thanks for your patience with a nic newbie,
Rob

[RobCr]

Hi, I purchased a NetGear wired Router RP614. My modem now connects to it via Ethernet cable. Each PC connects to the Router via Ethernet cables. Both can connect to the Internet. I have enabled File sharing in the 1st PC, and set that folder (C:\TR) to allow reading and writing. My (last ?) remaining question is - How Do I see the TR folder (which is on the 1st PC), from the 2nd PC ? Thanks, Rob

[Nude_Lewd_Man]

Okay, to save any complications, what I would do is set the NetGear up as being the primary device. By this I mean to give it the WAN credentials (from/for your ISP) and remove the old router from the equation. Once you can browse the 'net using th new router, and with both computers switched on, you can go Start --> Run --> type "cmd" [enter] --> type "net view" [enter]

You should then see all devices (or at least M$ computers) that are connected to the network. Depending on what you've computers are called this could be fairly easy or difficult. You could also type "ipconfig" on both computers and ensure that they're in the same IP range (I think that NetGears automatically have DHCP enabled, and use "Network 0" - so you should see "IP Address: 192.168.0.X" on both computers. I'll call them PC1 and PC2 for ease of explanation.

On PC1 go Start --> Run --> type "\\PC2" [enter] --> this will open a new windows explorer window, and assuming they're both on the same network segment and PC2 has file sharing enabled, you should be able to see a folder called "TR". The same is try on PC2, with the exception of typing "\\PC1" in the Run box...

Depending on your situation, you will need to allow any/all users of the other computer to be able to have the appropriate permissions on the folder you're sharing. This is done on the sharing computer by clicking the shared folder --> Properties --> Security and allow whoever you need to. If you're not in a domain environment (and I'm gonna presume that you aren't) then you might need to allow the "Everyone" group the rights you want...

IMHO the default for NetGears is that all inbound traffic (from the web into the network) is blocked, so you shouldn't need to worry too much about removing files from the folder/s....

[RobCr]

Nude_Lewd_Man, Tried some of your suggestions, but had problems (probably mine). I eventually went to 2nd PC's My Computer's Tools menu 'Map Network drive' I then found some name that I must have set up yesterday during my other attempts. Found my TR, and 'mapped it' (cough). I then opened Windows Explorer and modified a text file that 1st PC had placed in that folder. Jumped back to the owning PC (1st PC), and the change was present. Thanks for assisting, Rob PS I am keeping an eye on the other thread you responded to (... Router with usb ...). I will be assisting a friend connect his USB printer to his Linksys Wireless modem/router/gateway (WAG160N), which only has ethernet sockets. Talk about 'the blind leading the blind'

[RobCr]

PS I now have the XP Firewalls switched off on both PC's. I also have global File sharing switched on on both PC's. Will I be safe behind the two firewalls that Netgear says are in the Router ? Rob

[Nude_Lewd_Man]

I (normally) only use the firewall that is built into the router, and as long as you don't have the router to respond to PING on the WAN port and don't turn on remote management you should be fine...

What I've done is set up one (locked to WAN IP) firewall and NAT rule to a computer within the LAN, and if I want/need to change anything then I can connect up and make whatever changes are required...

There's a thread on here where you can find out which ports are used by which applications/services, but I don't really have the time to search for it now....