In article , "Ed"
wrote:
The more I think about this the more I begin to think it's an XP
problem. I now realize
that when I share a directory on one of my XP machines there is no
place to give a password.
So, what it amounts to is the way I have my network set up, if I want
to share a directory
it is without password protection. Since the Netgear router is a
firewall, I guess that's
OK.

Ed

Windows XP doesn't have a way to define passwords for its shared
folders. Only Windows 95, 98, and Me do.

Your router will prevent other people on the Internet from accessing
your shared folders. A firewall program on each computer (XP's
built-in firewall or a third-party program) would add a second layer
of access protection.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional - Windows Networking
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

Steve Winograd's Networking FAQ
http://www.bcmaven.com/networking/faq.htm