Why can't I see the files on one PC from another PC on my home network?

Just because you have multiple PCs connected to your home network doesn't mean that the contents will be automatically visible to each other. In fact, all of the contents of a PC are hidden from other users by default.

To view the contents of any PC over a network, that PC has to be configured to share its files with other PC users. This is called file sharing, and it's part of the Windows file system.

You turn on file sharing by using My Computer to access and select the drive, folder or subfolder, and then right-clicking that item's icon. When the pop-up menu appears, select Sharing and Security.

When the Properties dialog box appears, select the Sharing tab, and then check the option to Share This Folder on the Network. Click OK to close the dialog box.

Once file sharing has been turned on, all the other computers on your network will be able to see the area you decided to share. When you open My Network Places on another computer, you'll see the shared drive/folder displayed.

If the shared drive or folder is not visible from other computers, try rebooting the computer with the shared item and the computer that can't view the item. "Lost" computers on a network are often found when rebooted.

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