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How to Enable or Disable Simple File Sharing in Windows XP

Toggle SFS on and off in Windows XP Professional

By Bradley Mitchell Bradley Mitchell Writer Massachusetts Institute of Technology University of Illinois An MIT graduate who brings years of technical experience to articles on SEO, computers, and wireless networking. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on June 29, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Home Networking The Wireless Connection Routers & Firewalls Network Hubs ISP Broadband Ethernet Installing & Upgrading Wi-Fi & Wireless

What to Know

Go to Start > Tools > Folder Options > View. Check Use Simple File Sharing (Recommended) to turn on. Select OK.In the same dialog box, uncheck the Use Simple File Sharing (Recommended) box to turn it off, then select OK. Simple File Sharing was introduced in Microsoft Windows XP. SFS removed some file-sharing security options available in Windows 2000, with the goal of helping Windows XP administrators quickly set up folder shares. Microsoft Windows XP is discontinued and end-of-life support ended in 2014. Upgrade to Windows 10 to obtain important security patches and feature updates. This content is retained for those who cannot upgrade XP to a modern version of Windows.

How to Turn On SFS in Windows XP Professional

Simple File Sharing is enabled and cannot be disabled in Windows XP Home Edition. However, it can be enabled and disabled in Windows XP Professional. Go to the Start Menu or Windows XP Desktop and open My Computer. Go to the Tools menu and choose Folder Options. In the Folder Options dialog box, go to the View tab and select the Use Simple File Sharing (Recommended) check box to enable SFS. To disable Simple File Sharing, clear the Use Simple File Sharing (Recommended) check box. Select OK to close the Folder Options dialog box. The settings for Simple File Sharing are now updated; no computer reboot is required.

SFS Tips

Enabling Simple File Sharing prevents the ability to assign user-level passwords to shares. When Simple File Sharing is enabled on a computer, remote users are not prompted for a password when accessing that computer's shares. If the Windows XP Professional computer is part of a Windows domain rather than a Windows workgroup, this process to enable or disable Simple File Sharing has no effect. Simple File Sharing always remains disabled for computers joined to domains. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Enable or Disable the Administrator Account in Windows How to Share Internet Access How to Disable Remote Assistance and Desktop in Windows XP How to Use the Pop-Up Blocker in Internet Explorer 11 How to Disable the Windows XP Splash Screen Using MSConfig How to Disable Windows Automatic Restart on System Failure How to Uninstall or Remove Internet Explorer How Do I Disable a Device in Device Manager in Windows? How to Enable or Disable the On-Screen Keyboard in Windows 10 How to Disable Cortana in Windows 10 How to Disable the Windows Firewall in Windows How to Disable Taskbar Button Grouping in Windows How to Disable Protected Mode in Internet Explorer How to Share Your Internet Connection on Windows Vista Enable or Disable File and Printer Sharing in Windows How to Enable the Guest Account in Windows 7 Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies