Disabling the Shared Documents folder.

This applies to Windows XP Professional and Windows XP Home users only.  Users of other operating systems do not need to follow this procedure.

Some new computer viruses and trojan programs are spreading through our network by means of open network shares on Windows XP machines.  By default Windows XP has a Shared Documents folder that is fully accessible from anyone else on the network.  This is a security concern and should be disabled.  Please follow the instructions below to secure your Windows XP machine.

Open your My Computer icon either by clicking on it on the desktop, or by selecting it from the Start Menu.

Look for a folder named Shared Documents.

Note:  If you don't have a Shared Documents folder listed you can find it by going into the C:\Documents and Settings\All Users directory and it will be listed there.

Right Click on the Shared Documents folder and select Sharing and Security...  See Image below.

You will be presented with the Shared Documents Folder Window similar to the one below.  You will need to Uncheck 'Share this folder on the network'  Then click OK.

    

Open your Shared Documents folder and look at the contents.  By default, there will be some files in this directory.  There will be Shared Music, Shared Pictures, and possibly a desktop.ini file.  If you find any other files that you are unfamiliar with DO NOT CLICK ON THEM!  These files could be viruses.  If you find files in this directory please contact Computer Services at 777-5046 so that we can take care of them.