How To Share Files on a Home Network

Once you have your network up and running, you can take full advantage of the network connection by copying or moving files from one computer to another.

To share files between the PCs on your network, you have to enable Windows XP's file sharing on the PC that contains those files.

Sharing a Complete Drive

Sharing a Specific Folder

Accessing Shared Files

Use Caution

While it's great to share files across two or more PCs on your network, you should be cautious about turning on file sharing. When you let a folder or drive be shared, anyone accessing your network can access the contents of the folder. You should make sure that you share only those folders and files you want to share, and keep the other folders on your computer private.

You should also make sure that you have a firewall installed on your network and that you've activated adequate wireless security if you have a wireless network. This will keep unwanted intruders from hacking into your network and gaining unauthorized access to your private files.

Michael Miller is a writer and commentator on technology and digital lifestyle topics.