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 How
to find out what files and folders your computer is sharing in Windows Vista?
Even though it is your computer and you are the only one using it, sometimes you
forget what files and folders you are sharing with other computers on your
network. For example you might share an entire drive on the network and just
forget you have done this. In the meantime you have been adding files to this
that you do not want anyone to see, however because you have shared it
previously it can still be accessed by the other computers on your network. You
must go back and Un-share files and folders to stop the sharing process. The
only other way to stop the sharing process is to break the network. If
everything is running smoothly on the network, your files could be shared for as
long as the network is alive.
How to see what files and folders you are sharing?
- Click on the network icon in
the notification area to get to the Network and sharing center.
- If you do not have an icon available there
you can go to the start menu, control panel, then
the Network and Sharing Center.
-
The
Network and Sharing Center will open. See the screenshot below.
-
See the arrow at
the bottom? If you do not see the links that these arrows are pointing to (or
something similar) then you have Windows Vista Basic.
-
If you want to
see the files and folders you are sharing press on Show me all the files
and folders I am sharing.
-
If you want to
see the drives you are sharing press on Show me all the shared network
folders on this computer.
The screenshot
below appeared when I pressed on the Show me all the shared network
folders on this computer. As you can see below I am sharing a printer
and some main hard drives.
When I pressed on
show me all the files and folders I am sharing, nothing showed
because I am not sharing any individual files and folders.
Reason why you need to see what files and folders you
are sharing?
One of the main reasons for wanting to see what files you are sharing is to
remind yourself what you are actually sharing on your network. This is also a
great way to see all shared files and folders in one go, without having to
search through your computer. Maybe you want to share a file. By following the
steps above you can now check to see if you are already sharing this file. Its
just a great way to stay in control of your shared files and folders on your
network.
Notes on seeing what
files and folders you are sharing:
-
If you are sharing no individual files then
nothing will show up.
-
If you are sharing an entire hard drive you
will have to click on the drive to see all the files on it that are being
shared.
-
If you want to share a file or folder you
need to be on a network, then sharing must be enabled for the item you want to
share.
-
If you are using Windows XP
See what
files are being shared. This is a different way to see the files being
shared on the network.
Sharing Files How to share files with other computers on your
Network
See what
files are being shared What computer is sharing what file on your
home network?
Enable
Printer and File sharing How to enable in Windows XP And Vista
How to view your computer IP Address Find out how to find
your computers IP address. You will need to know it if you want
to use remote desktop or share files with other computers on
your home network.
Change your IP Address Sometimes it is necessary to
set your computer IP address yourself. This way the setting
will stay the same.
Mac Address How do I find my mac address to use for network
security. You can use this information to set different security levels on
your router, keeping your internet connection safe from intruders.
Enable
Printer and File sharing How to enable in Windows XP And Vista.
Before you can share any files or printers on your home network, you must
enable sharing on all computers.
Router IP Address How to find your router IP and configure it. You
will need to know this information to setup your router on your home
network. Each brand of router starts with a default manufacturers IP
address.
Static and Dynamic IP Address What's the
difference?
Why can't they just make it
simple and call them the IP address you set yourself and the
automatically set one.
Two computers on one Modem Connect both to the internet. People often
think that they can only connect one computer to a broadband modem. You do
not need a router because there are usually two connections on the back of
the modem.
Network Troubleshooting Commands Like PING or Net use.
Network Security What are the different types of network security
Internet Connection
Troubleshoot Internet Connection Problems
What is the difference between network LAN, WAN, and MAN
Check your
Router with the Internet Connectivity Evaluation Tool for Windows Vista
About the Author
Mitz wrote this article and others for
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