Because XP defaults to a simple share, only the computer within the LAN through the "Network Neighborhood" (the default is the workgroup group) can see this computer sharing information without any authorization. So we have to remove such a hidden danger.
Open My Computer, click the Tools menu, and choose Folder Options:
In the Folder Options dialog box that opens, click the View tab:
Computer knowledge
Cancel the check box before use simple sharing (recommended), as shown above. Finally click the OK button.
Step two to set up a shared account and apply password access
Next we assign a shared account to the shared directory. Create a new user "Shareuser" in Local Users and groups:
Note that this account password can not be null, while not to change the permissions of this account, with the default normal group user permissions can be:
Then you set up a secure share. Right-click the folder you want to share, and select the Sharing and Security command:
In the Open Properties dialog box, select the Sharing tab, click the Share this folder single option, and then click the Permissions button below:
In the Pop-up Permissions dialog box, remove the existing everyone user and add the "Shareuser" account you just set up:
Finally click the OK button to save the settings.
Later, anyone can see the shared folder, but the password is required to open it.