[WolfCoder]

When sharing a file over a local home area network, how can you require a password to gain access to such shared files over the network?

[Jayman]

If you have Windows XP then there is no password-protected sharing for folders.

edit: Correction to what I originally posted.

[Jayman]

You might try creating a compressed folder because you can password protect those.

http://support.micro...?...531&sd=tech

[max302]

Or you might want to do it the right way and use a Linux samba server. SMB can either use defined user and pass combinations or use keberos or Windows Domain Controller to authenticate. The config tools are GUI, so that shouldn't be a problem for you.

[MarkoDaGeek]

There is a way to do it in XP Professional, but you have to do it the Real way. Turn off 'Simple File Sharing' and create user accounts.