File sharing on LAN

I have a simple ethernet LAN with two PCs. I am able to share (most) files
and a printer between the two. However, on one of the computers (PC A) I am
unable to share the My Documents file while I can on the other (PC B). (I
know that the Shared Documents folder is provided for sharing, but I want to
share My Documents as well.) When I right-click the My Documents folder on PC
A, there is no Sharing option on the pop-up menu. On PC B, I do get the
Sharing option for My Documents.
I'd like to know why the inconsistency between the two PCs and what I can do
to correct it.
Thanks.

Ted wrote:
> I have a simple ethernet LAN with two PCs. I am able to share (most) files
> and a printer between the two. However, on one of the computers (PC A) I am
> unable to share the My Documents file while I can on the other (PC B). (I
> know that the Shared Documents folder is provided for sharing, but I want to
> share My Documents as well.) When I right-click the My Documents folder on PC
> A, there is no Sharing option on the pop-up menu. On PC B, I do get the
> Sharing option for My Documents.
> I'd like to know why the inconsistency between the two PCs and what I can do
> to correct it.
> Thanks.

You forgot to tell us what versions of XP both machines are running. XP
Home does not permit sharing of users' home directories (My Documents)
or Program Files, but you can share folders inside those directories. A
better choice is to simply use the Shared Documents folder. If PC A is
running XP Pro, you need to disable Simple File Sharing (Folder
Options>View tab) and then you will be able to share the My Documents
directory.


Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User

Thanks. Sorry I didn't think to identify the XP versions. I inherited one of
the computers with XP already on it. The PCs are at another site, so I'll
have to check the version out later.
Thanks very much.
Ted

"Malke" wrote:

> Ted wrote:
> > I have a simple ethernet LAN with two PCs. I am able to share (most) files
> > and a printer between the two. However, on one of the computers (PC A) I am
> > unable to share the My Documents file while I can on the other (PC B). (I
> > know that the Shared Documents folder is provided for sharing, but I want to
> > share My Documents as well.) When I right-click the My Documents folder on PC
> > A, there is no Sharing option on the pop-up menu. On PC B, I do get the
> > Sharing option for My Documents.
> > I'd like to know why the inconsistency between the two PCs and what I can do
> > to correct it.
> > Thanks.
>
> You forgot to tell us what versions of XP both machines are running. XP
> Home does not permit sharing of users' home directories (My Documents)
> or Program Files, but you can share folders inside those directories. A
> better choice is to simply use the Shared Documents folder. If PC A is
> running XP Pro, you need to disable Simple File Sharing (Folder
> Options>View tab) and then you will be able to share the My Documents
> directory.
>
>
> Malke
> --
> Elephant Boy Computers
> www.elephantboycomputers.com
> "Don't Panic!"
> MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User
>