In Windows XP Home Edition, there is no way to add a password to a shared folder, which means you can’t restrict individual access to the folder. But there is a way to prevent outsiders (those without a valid username and password) from accessing the shared folder.
Outsiders without valid username and password can only access the shared folder as a Guest. By password-protecting the Guest account, we can prevent such access.
- Log on as Administrator.
- Go to Settings->Control Panel->User Accounts, and click on Guest Account to make sure it is turned on.
- Go to Start->Run, type cmd, and hit Enter.
- At the prompt, type net user guest password and hit Enter.
- Go back to User Accounts and click on the Guest account. Note that you can now add a password.Do so and reboot.
From now on, any attempt to log on to shared folders from the Guest account will require the Guest password for access; even if the Guest account is turned off!