How to set up Network File Sharing in Windows 7?

I was wondering if anyone could point me to a good tutorial about how to set up file sharing in Windows 7, that would be great. Or, just post a quick tutorial here.

Here's what I got. Desktop with large hard drives that both me and my wife use. 1 laptop each for me and my wife. All are running Windows 7.

If I share a folder on the Desktop with the whole Homegroup, I can see it on the Laptops. What do I need to do to share MY folder with My laptop only, and my Wife's folder with my Wife's laptop only. I would also like to have the Public shared folder accessible by everyone everywhere.

Also, We are both in College, and would like to be able to access those files while not at home. I know some form of Remote Desktop or VPN software could do this, but is there a built in Windows function that works like that, or can someone point me to a good software that will accomplish this easily?

 

Use the Win7 help file on 'file sharing'. It will almost walk you through the procedure.

 

I have been through all the help files related to file sharing as you suggested, and have found nothing to help me answer my question. Everything is general terms, and not the step by step directions I need as a user new to permissions and networking.

When I try to share a folder on the desktop with only my laptop, the username on my laptop never shows up as an option in the "share with specific people" menu, so my only option is to share with the whole homegroup.

I have found nothing about how to share those files when I am away from the homegroup.

And, it now appears that the Desktop has something wrong. I can not View or Change the Homegroup Password, or Leave the homegroup. If I try to view the password, it pops up with an empty box.

 

Can't help with password problem. Try hitting enter when asked for password. (Leave blank and hit enter)

Also try this for file sharing:

File sharing essentials

 

for transferring files outside your network, if those are small files you could use dropbox to sync your files.

otherwise setting up an FTP server is your next best free option.

other options are Opera Unite (you set this up on your home pc, use opera web browser to login and search your files.)

there's also live sync which I haven't tried out yet and GBridge which uses your google account to setup a vpn

 

Firstly make the network a work network on all machines.

Then open network and sharing centre and click change advanced sharing settings (on left hand side) turn everything on EXCEPT password protection sharing, save changes.

Lastly any files/folders you want to share, right click, share with => advanced sharing, tick share this file/folder, click [permissions], change permissions how you want.

 

Doesn't that require Win7 professional? And to the OP, which version of Win7 are you running? Home or profesional?

Gary

 

hi,i think procedures remain same,but in new system its functionality and options increases with new look any how you need to create a home network and there you will find sharing option.you can also have tutorial regarding this Share file in window 7

 

That is a good question as I had dealt with W7 Premium and it has limited network capabilities. If they are thinking of doing networking or sharing they should invest in W7 Professional or Ultimate either x86 or X64 depending on their CPU whether it is x86 or x64 processor. I know my nephew has I think premium on his Toshiba and it is very limited in way of networking administration capabilities. So that is what one should think about when buying W7 O/S.

 

I was commenting on the Jkleiss suggestion that the OP "make the network a work network on all machines."

Gary

 

No, it doesnt require pro. Set file sharing this way last week on my win7 home desktop sharing with my win7 pro notebook (and vice versa) and my tv

Just open up network and sharing centre and where it says view your active networks click on where it says home network and you can change it to work (or public)

 

I am running Win 7 Ultimate on both the desktop and my laptop. My Wife's laptop is Win 7 home