How to Hide a Shared Folder in Windows XP Home - Networking Computer Tips

Shared folders have been around since the early days of Windows networking. They allow you to share your data and files with other users on the network. The problem might be that you want to have your files shared so you can get to them over the networks but not other people. This can be done by setting file and folder permissions so that only your account can access those files. But what if you don't want the share to be seen at all?

If you want to prevent other users on your network from accessing your shared data but still want to be able to get to it yourself over the network here is how you do it. Windows XP Home uses Simple File Sharing, which means you are sharing all or nothing and offers little security and configuration.

Right click the folder or drive you want to secure and choose Sharing and Security.

Enter a share name for your folder or drive and place a dollar sign ($) at the end of the name, for example photos$.Then click Ok and you are done.

Now the folder is hidden and other network users won’t be able to see it and it won’t show up in My Network Places. The only way any one will be able to see the folder is if they know the name of the folder.

For you to be able to see your hidden folder you need to map the drive and type in the path to the share including the dollar sign in the Folder box.

Related Computer Tips:
Sharing Folders and Printers
Accessing Shared Resources
Windows File Management

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