XP Pro Home Network Question

[StevenB]

Hello all,

I'm trying to set up a fairly simple home network. Here's what I've done:

-I have two PCs running WinXP Pro
-Each is configured with the same Workgroup
-Each has four local users named for each of my family members
-The PCs connect through a cable modem router, and each currently can connect to the internet with no problems
-Each PC has two hard drive partitions (C for OS/Programs, D for data)

I'd like to map the Y drive on each computer to the other computer's C drive, and map Z to D. This way, at any given time I can "see" all of the data on either computer. It also helps because I'd like to use a backup program to back up key files on each nightly, one to the other.

Here's the problem that I'm running into:

When I try to map to "PC03" from "PC02", it first tries to connect using my current local account (PC02\MyID), and then failing that, the Guest account on the other PC (PC03\Guest). MyID is an admin on both machines. I've tried connecting as an admin on the other machine, for example connecting from PC02 as PC03\MyID. This gets me a connection, but when I try to click on certain folders like Program Files or Documents and Settings for another user, I get "access denied", even though I'm connected as an admin.

On the "target" PC, I enabled sharing of the C: drive on the network, and checked "allow network users to change my files".

So, perhaps the simplest way of putting this question: how can I have mapped drives to my other PC, wherein I have full control of everything?

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. I have another question, but it's a slightly different topic, so I'll post separately.

Thanks,

Steve

 

[bcastner]

Program Files, and My Documents receive special Security attention under Windows XP, but can be modified:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;304040

 

[StevenB]

This looks great, let me look through it for a bit!

 

[cdogg]

Although this is mentioned in that article, I just want to point out several key points:

1) It is NEVER a good idea to share the root of the drive. If possible, it is best to share several subfolders directly under root instead.

2) You should create a guest account on each PC using the login from the other. Then when you select the folder(s) you want to share, you can go to the security tab and give "full control" to that guest account's login.

3) Finally, you are probably going to have to disable XP's built-in firewall. Right-click the LAN connection under Network Connections, choose Properties and navigate to the "Advanced" tab. Also, if you have any other 3rd-party firewalls running, you will need to add the other PC's IP address or LAN IP range as a trusted zone.


~cdogg
[tab]"All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind"
[tab][tab]- Aristotle
[navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884

 

[linney]

These sites are handy references to have.

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp/addxp.htm

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/

http://www.sohointer.net/

http://www.webdevelopersjournal.com/columns/greg1.html

http://www.wown.info/