Folder Sharing

Conventionally, you can most easily clear folders or drives for network use in Windows 7 with these steps:

1.      1. Right-click on the folder/drive that you wish the share and select “Properties”.

2.      2. Select the tab “Sharing” and click on “Advanced sharing...”

3.      3. Tick the box “Share this folder” and enter a share name for it.

4.      4. Click on permissions, mark the group entry “Everyone” and configure the network permissions for this folder in the lower field according to your requirements. If you just want to release your files for copying, allowing “Read” is usually enough.

The homegroup function of Windows 7, while convenient, is by far not everybody's cup of tea. It is neither compatible with older Windows versions or Linux, nor does it give access to certain system-wide folders. Here's how you can share folders with the old, but trusty Network Sharing Settings.

With the introduction of homegroups in Windows 7, setting up a home network has become much easier. While this is a great and comfortable feature for Windows 7 PCs, it unfortunately doesn't work with older versions of Windows or Linux at all, forcing users to resort the the conventional Network Sharing Settings. Ironically, these have become somewhat more complicated in return and tend to impede users with one error message after another as to why even simple file transfers aren't possible. No need to rack your brain over these issues however - here's how you can properly enable the sharing feature in three steps and keep track of your shared folders.

Note: Make sure that you are using a NAT-Router (applies to most any router) as a medium to access the internet if you wish to use this method. Otherwise, you might release your files not only to your local network, but to the whole internet. Also, make sure to check that all PCs in the network are using the same workgroup