To share folders and files on your Vista system, you must first create or join a workgroup. It is recommended that all computers on your network be configured in the same workgroup. Using multiple workgroups increases the amount of effort needed to share folders.

To set the workgroup name in Vista:

  1. Right-click Computer and select Properties
  2. Under the Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings section, click Change Settings.
  3. On the Computer Name tab, click Change.
  4. Type the name of the workgroup. If you are joining an exiting workgroup, this name must match the existing workgroup name. Otherwise, type in a workgroup name of your choice. The default name in Vista is Workgroup.
  5. Click OK.
  6. Click OK to accept the welcome message.
  7. Click OK when prompted to restart your computer.
  8. Click Close and click Restart Now.

You also need to tell Vista what type of network you are connected to so security settings can be correctly configured for you. Vista uses the following three types of network locations:

  • Domain — The Vista PC is connected to a network that hosts an Active Directory domain controller.
  • Public — The Vista PC is connected to a network with a public connection to the Internet.
  • Private — The Vista PC is connected to a network that is protected from the Internet such as a home network that is behind a firewall.

To configure the network location type:

  1. Click Start, right-click Network and click Properties. The Network and Sharing Center window appears.
  2. Click the Customize link beside the location type. The Set Network Location window appears.
  3. Click Private.
  4. Click Next.
  5. Click Close.

Shared folders provide remote access to the files on a PC. Folder sharing is available on drives using all types of partitions: FAT, FAT32, or NTFS. To share any folders (or any printers, for that matter) on a Vista PC, File And Printer Sharing must be enabled. To enable it:

  1. Open the Network and Sharing Center.
  2. Under the Sharing and Discovery section, click the down arrow beside File Sharing.
  3. Select the option labeled Turn on file sharing.
  4. Click Apply.

Once file sharing in enabled, there are two ways that you can share your files. You can place your files in the Public folder or you can share individual folders outside of the Public folder. The method you use will depend on who you want to share you files with.