How come I can still see other users on my network

**Apheleon** · 06-25-2003, 07:26 AM

I don't understand this...

For some odd reason I can still view the files of the other computers on our LAN.

We have a total of 4 computers on our network. Three of the computers are on the same workgroup.

However, the computer I'm on uses a different workgroup name. But for some reason I can still view the files of the other computers that are on the other workgroup.

I don't understand this. Does this have something to do with NetBIOS? I don't remember installing the NetBIOS/NetBEUI protocol (is it enabled by default or something?)

Please help. I don't want to be able to view the other workgroup's files and I don't want those computers to view my files and vise versa...

I figured I was on a different workgroup (since I specified a different workgroup name).

Why is this?

Any help would be appriciated (I use Windows XP btw)

**TheSpegmaster** · 06-25-2003, 07:47 AM

NetBios allows you to view the file shares of any computer on your network not just the ones in your workgroup. The windows workgroups do not mean much except that they allow you to organize all the computers in your network. If you do not want the other computers to be able to view your files, you can turn on the windows XP firewall by going to your Network connection properties (I am at work so I do not have any XP computers handy to be able to give further instructions). As far as not being able to view their files I would recommend setting up file shares on those computers and not giving limiting the user accounts that have permission to view them.

**Apheleon** · 06-25-2003, 07:57 AM

Thanks for the response.

I have ICF disabled because I need certain ports open, and I use my router to forward ports to my comp. I don't like firewalls, and my router has one anyways if I need to use one.

You were saying about limiting access. I can't really check atm, but (since I have no shares enabled on my comp) would the other computers be able to see my files? Or would they only be able to see my files if I created a shared folder or mapped a drive?

If that's the case, I should be ok. Because I have no shares except for that stupid default "My Shared Documents" folder that Windows gives you (which I don't keep anything in there).

Would the other comps still be able to see/view my files if I have nothing shared at all?

**TheSpegmaster** · 06-25-2003, 08:57 AM

Originally posted by Apheleon

You were saying about limiting access. I can't really check atm, but (since I have no shares enabled on my comp) would the other computers be able to see my files? Or would they only be able to see my files if I created a shared folder or mapped a drive?

They will only be able to see your files if you created a shared folder and put the files you wanted shared into them. Once a folder is shared, a network drive can be mapped to it.

**Apheleon** · 06-25-2003, 09:04 AM

Thanks for the help.

**SkyDog** · 06-25-2003, 10:31 AM

Originally posted by Apheleon
I don't remember installing the NetBIOS/NetBEUI protocol (is it enabled by default or something?)

NetBIOS and NetBEUI are two different things, although somewhat related. All Windows file and print sharing relies on NetBIOS communications. NetBIOS needs to be carried by an underlying protocol. NetBEUI is an underlying protocol that pretty much does nothing but carry NetBIOS, but NetBIOS can also run over TCP/IP instead of NetBEUI. (NetBIOS over TCP/IP is also referred to as "NetBT".)

**Apheleon** · 06-26-2003, 05:24 AM

Nice, that helped explain it even more. Thank you very much.

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