How to share folders without homegroups in Windows 7

Make sure to check that all PCs in the network are using the same workgroup.

1. 1. Right-click on the folder/drive that you wish the share and select “Properties”.
2. 2. Select the tab “Sharing” and click on “Advanced Sharing...”
3. 3. Tick the box “Share this folder” and enter a a share name for it.
4. 4. Click on permissions, mark the group entry “Everyone” and configure the network permissions for this folder in the lower field according to your requirements. If you just want to release your files for copying, allowing “Read” is usually enough.

2. Setting the right permissions

1. 1. Right-click on the folder/drive in question and select “Properties” again.
2. 2. This time, switch to the tab “Security” and click on “Edit...”, followed by “Add...”.
3. 3. In this window, enter “Everybody” into the empty field at the bottom and click on “OK”.
4. 4. Take a quick look at the permissions for “Everybody” and make sure they are all set correctly. If everything is in order, close all windows with “OK”.

3. Deactivating password-protected sharing

At this point, we're nearly done. Typically, if you take a look into your network drop-down menu in the left panel of the “Computer” directory, you will see the names of all other systems connected to your network. Trying to access them is usually rather straightforward, but often ends with a password confirmation prompt. To disable that,

1. 1. Summon your control panel and open the “Network and Sharing Center”.
2. 2. Click on “Change advanced sharing settings.
3. 3. Look for your active profile at the top, expand it (if it isn't already) and scroll down to the option “Password protected sharing”.
4. 4. Tick the option “Turn off password protected sharing” and click on “Save changes”. Be advised that this will make all shared folders readily accessible for anyone inside your home network.
5. Tip: To make double sure that your router (and by extension your folders) aren't vulnerable from the outside, pay your router configuration menu a visit and close the ports 445, 139, 138 and 137 manually, if they happen to be open.