Setting a Password for Network Directories

On my HTPC I have a folder named "Drop-off". This is where I go to take files from my PC, and deposit them on the HTPC for sorting later. However, because this folder has the option to change my files enabled, I'd like to password protect it from those on my network.

Ideally, I'd like to find a Windows XP setting that allows me to password protect the folder. So if this can be done without purchasing any third party software, that would be awesome. However, if there's no way to accomplish this using only the OS, I'll consider third party software.

Thanks in advance, and any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

What kinda OS is this HTPC?

 

Both are on Windows XP Pro SP2. The Media center uses a third party front-end called Meedio to handle all media center functions.

 

Then in XP disable simple file sharing (in explorer goto tools > folder options scroll to the bottom & uncheck). Then when you share a folder you'll have to add users with rights. You'll need to create these users on the machine the share is on, then add them to them to the folder's share. Then when you connect to the share you'll have to provide a password for access.

 

I NEEDS HELP! How do I find/reset the admin password on a vista opperating
system?

 

Please don't high-jack other people's threads. Thanks.

So, foogoo. So far, it seems your suggestion has lead me in the right direction, so I thank you. I'm still not entirely certain as to what I should be doing, however. I've disabled simple file sharing, and I can see now that I'm able to set permissions (as well as entirely prevent them) though I can't seem to figure out how to set them in such a way as to prompt network users to provide a password when accessing the resource.

Once I've disabled simple file sharing, what exactly do I need to do? When you say create a new account on the machine as the network resource do you mean a new log-in account. As in, the sort of log-in account I would find on the welcome screen, or is it a special account entirely for networks?

Secondly, once I've created this account, how and what steps do I need to take (specifics would be appreciated, since I'm a bit slow sometimes. ) to configure the folder to prompt users for a password?

Sorry if I'm a bit dim, but I've never really attempted anything like this before, so it's all new to me. Again, thanks for your help s far. I really appreciate it.

 

Hopefully a few picturesd are worth a 1000 words...
check this
http://home.cinci.rr.com/lonegeek/sharing.htm

 

I did everything the video did, and when I go to access the network resource, it just tells me I don't have permission. Not prompt, no passwords. Just can't access it if it has any security on it.

 

is the firewall running? can you see the "server" when you goto My Network Places and browse?

 

I'm not sure what you mean. When I got to My Network Places I see a series of folders: "HTPC Anime on Htpc, HTPC Drop-off on Htpc, HTPC Film on Htpc, HTPC Misc on Htpc, and test on Htpc"

Test is the folder I've been trying to make private, I don't see any servers though. Maybe I'm in the wrong spot?

 

Bump:

I've found several websites explaining how to do this, most of which used the same steps as the little video thing foogoo showed me. None of them have worked.

I still need help, so if anybody out there has any suggestions, please, let me know.

 

Server is the generic term for a PC that serves up a 'resource' hence Htpc is the "server". So on Htpc you disabled simple file sharing, now on the test you shared it & you added a user with rights?
When you double click on it (being the folder "TEST" you added the account to) you don't get a prompt?

 

Correct. When I click on the test folder, I don't get a password prompt. I get a notice that says I do not have permission to access this resource.

I can access the other folders that I haven't placed security on, but the test folder is off-limits entirely.

 

In an attempt to make helping me easier, I've decided to describe the steps I've taken to password protect my folders. Maybe this will help spot my problem, and remedy it.

1.) I start up the computer and log into my main account "Media Center" on the HTPC.
2.) From this account I access My Computer > Tools > Folder Options. In the folder options I disable the "Use simple file sharing (Recommended)" option at the bottom of the "View" tab and click Apply, then OK.
3.) I access the Control Panel and User Accounts section while logged into the account "Media Center."
4.) I create a new account, and set a password for this account.
5.) Once this account has been created, I browse my way to the folder containing "text", the folder I'm attempting to password and open the Sharing and Security settings.
6.) I tick the "Share this folder" bubble, and click the Permissions button.
7.) In the "Permissions for test" window I remove the "Everybody" user, and add the user account I've created: user1(HTPC\user1) using Add > Advanced > Find Now and then selecting user1 from the list.
8.) I give the account user1 full control over the folder and click OK.
9.) I click OK through the windows and return back to my folder, having OK'd my way out of all the windows. I am now looking at the folder containing my now shared "test" folder. The shared hand icon is present.
10.) I then use my main PC "Litter" to access the network. I see the folders shared on the network, and test is included with them. When I click the test folder to access it, I am given the following error:

Hopefully this helps as I'd really like to solve this issue.

 

Am I on my own, then? Seems like everywhere I look, they tell me to do the same things, but it never works.

I guess nobody out there can help me with this?

 

On the HTPC did you add the account from the PC you are connecting with?
This is a stab... but if your logged on the 1st PC as "Tom" and the HTPC doesn't have "Tom" with rights to the folder maybe that is the issue?
So try adding the client PC account to the 'server's' test share.
Maybe the client is trying to authenticate with the current credintials... just a guess at this point.

You have reboot systems since making the changes?

 

Okay. I've made some progress. Not heaps, but progress none the less.

I was able to restrict all access to the server using the methods described in your posts. For some reason, they're working now. They weren't before, but they are now.

However, restricting the server entirely was not my intent. I wish only to lock one or two folders on the server, while leaving the rest accessible to the network.

 

That is the way security works.. you lockup the house then specify an entry point.. Not open the house and tell someone they can only use this door... what is to stop them from using another door or window .. that is not security.

You can share out the drives with an admin account so you (as admin) can see everything.

 

Windows authenticate by users that are allowed or not allowed to share a Folder.

If you need specific Folders to be password protected you need 3rd party software.

If you need only to grant permission to exchange files you can put the files in folders that can be assigned to an ftp server, and assign specifc users with personal passwords to these folders through the ftp server.

This is a good Free ftp client
(Use the author link on the page to obtain the Free server), http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=4810

 

Damn, that doesn't work for what I'm after, and unless this 3rd party FTP program is going to allow people to access the resources via the Network Neighborhood, that won't either.

I'll check it out, but it looks like I'm going to have to stick to the old share, unshare method I've been using thus far.

Still, thanks for all the help.