Disable File and Print Sharing

If you do not have a need to share your files with other users on your network then you should disable the file and print sharing option in the operating system along with turning off the simple file sharing option for file folders. This is just one of many operating system hardening processes you should complete to secure your workstation against attacks.

Let us begin by turning off the "Use Simple File Sharing (Recommended)" option. Double click the "My Computer" icon on your desktop or in your "Start" menu if using Windows XP.

Click on the "Tools" menu and select "Folder Options".

Click on the "View" tab and scroll down to the bottom of the list in the "Advanced Settings" window. Uncheck the check box on the last entry, "Use Simple File Sharing (Recommended)" option.

Click the "OK" button to complete this process.

Close down all the windows and then right click the "Network Neighborhood" icon on your desktop (in the start menu for XP) and click the "Properties" option.

Right click the "Local Area Connection" icon and select "Properties".

local area connection properties graphic

Uncheck the check box next to "File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks" option. Click "OK" and close all the windows.

This turns off your print/printer sharing options. This option should only be enabled when you have a strong need to share files with others in your local area network. Before using this option I would suggest obtaining an account on the SIS SFTP Server and use SSH Secure Client to connect and exchange files through the secure file sever.