Network "shared files" asks for Password

Dr Bob · 06-29-2009, 12:07 PM

I have three computers (all Dell) networked via Microsoft's Home Network. All computers are running XP SP3 and I have updated each computer.

One of the computers is my work laptop. I typically "backup" my work files to my main computer on the network, using the "shared folder" of the main computer. For some reason, whenever I try to access the main computers "shared folder," I now get a request for a password. This appeared to happen spontaneously as I have never had this problem before.

I do not have the user accounts password protected. I have tried every password I have ever used, to no avail. This is *NOT* a problem of "forgotten" password but Windows XP suddenly asking for a password when I have never assigned one before.

I can access my laptops "shared folder" across the network with the other computers without a problem. The only problem is trying to access my main computer's shared folder, which results in the request for a password. The User name is greyed out, with the name of the main computer in the user name followed by a forward slash "/guest" and then a box for a password to be entered.

I have simple file share checked and have never changed that setting. I have run and rerun the Network Wizard on all computers without success. I have tried assigning passwords and using them, without luck.

One clue is on the main computer I am trying to access, I used to have two user accounts (in addition to the hidden Admin account). One of those accounts WAS password protected, but I was NOT using any files within that account. I recently deleted that account as I no longer use it. In other words, the deleted account was in no way associated with the "shared folder" I am using with the other account, the only one on the computer now.

The account that I am using for the "shared folder" does not have a password but even if I assign one, it won't let me access the shared folder from any other computer. That user account has admin privileges.

I have alternatively enabled and disabled the "guest" account, with no help.

I am at a loss to understand why Windows is now asking for this password. I have seen a couple of other similar issues brought up but no solutions.

Any ideas?

..........Bob

Dr Bob · 06-29-2009, 01:22 PM

I reposted this in the "network" section where I think it should have been in the first place. Sorry.

.........Bob

06-29-2009, 12:07 PM	#1 (permalink)
Dr Bob Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 13 OS: XP SP3	Network "shared files" asks for Password I have three computers (all Dell) networked via Microsoft's Home Network. All computers are running XP SP3 and I have updated each computer. One of the computers is my work laptop. I typically "backup" my work files to my main computer on the network, using the "shared folder" of the main computer. For some reason, whenever I try to access the main computers "shared folder," I now get a request for a password. This appeared to happen spontaneously as I have never had this problem before. I do not have the user accounts password protected. I have tried every password I have ever used, to no avail. This is NOT a problem of "forgotten" password but Windows XP suddenly asking for a password when I have never assigned one before. I can access my laptops "shared folder" across the network with the other computers without a problem. The only problem is trying to access my main computer's shared folder, which results in the request for a password. The User name is greyed out, with the name of the main computer in the user name followed by a forward slash "/guest" and then a box for a password to be entered. I have simple file share checked and have never changed that setting. I have run and rerun the Network Wizard on all computers without success. I have tried assigning passwords and using them, without luck. One clue is on the main computer I am trying to access, I used to have two user accounts (in addition to the hidden Admin account). One of those accounts WAS password protected, but I was NOT using any files within that account. I recently deleted that account as I no longer use it. In other words, the deleted account was in no way associated with the "shared folder" I am using with the other account, the only one on the computer now. The account that I am using for the "shared folder" does not have a password but even if I assign one, it won't let me access the shared folder from any other computer. That user account has admin privileges. I have alternatively enabled and disabled the "guest" account, with no help. I am at a loss to understand why Windows is now asking for this password. I have seen a couple of other similar issues brought up but no solutions. Any ideas? ..........Bob

06-29-2009, 01:22 PM	#2 (permalink)
Dr Bob Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 13 OS: XP SP3	Re: Network "shared files" asks for Password I reposted this in the "network" section where I think it should have been in the first place. Sorry. .........Bob