In downsizing our network I had set-up an XP-Pro machine as a file store with 2 Win7 Pro Laptops syncing files; this worked fine for many years.

Fast-Forward - XP-Pro machine replaced with Win8.1 Pro machine and need to set-up the file syncing (2qty Win7 Pro Laptops) using the Win8.1 Pro machine as the master store; seems I'm to use Cloud; but, prefer not to.  Of course, XP-Pro required 'shared files' to be located in 'All Users' account; cannot find account similar to All Users in Win8.1; Public Account seems no accessible.

Also, would prefer to avoid using the Documents folder of a live user account of Win 8.1 Pro as the master file store - Had considered creating a bogus user account with fixed password al-la update centre.

Not very familiar with Win8.1 (or Win8 for that matter) - Any advice on best way to achieve goal greatly appreciated.

Many thanX

C

• Edited by Webtrash Wednesday, February 11, 2015 10:36 PM

Hi Webtrash,

I am supposing you mean the All user folder under C:\User, it is a hidden folder in windows 8.1 and windows 7.

To show hidden folder in windows 8.1

Control Panel > Folder Options->view-> and choose show hidden files and folders.

In addition to above, for offline file sharing and synchronization, we have sync center in windows 7 and 8.1 you might have a look.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/working-with-network-files-offline#1TC=windows-7

Regards

D. Wu

Hi Webtrash,

I am supposing you mean the All user folder under C:\User, it is a hidden folder in windows 8.1 and windows 7.

To show hidden folder in windows 8.1

Control Panel > Folder Options->view-> and choose show hidden files and folders.

In addition to above, for offline file sharing and synchronization, we have sync center in windows 7 and 8.1 you might have a look.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/working-with-network-files-offline#1TC=windows-7

Regards

D. Wu

• Proposed as answer by Michael ShaoMicrosoft contingent staff, Moderator Thursday, February 19, 2015 3:49 AM
• Marked as answer by Michael ShaoMicrosoft contingent staff, Moderator 6 hours 53 minutes ago

Hi Webtrash,

I am supposing you mean the All user folder under C:\User, it is a hidden folder in windows 8.1 and windows 7.

To show hidden folder in windows 8.1

Control Panel > Folder Options->view-> and choose show hidden files and folders.

In addition to above, for offline file sharing and synchronization, we have sync center in windows 7 and 8.1 you might have a look.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/working-with-network-files-offline#1TC=windows-7

Regards

D. Wu

• Proposed as answer by Michael ShaoMicrosoft contingent staff, Moderator Thursday, February 19, 2015 3:49 AM
• Marked as answer by Michael ShaoMicrosoft contingent staff, Moderator Friday, February 20, 2015 4:51 AM

Hello Deason,

Many thanX for taking this on and for your reply - Please accept my apologies for not replying sooner.

I found the 'All Users' folder on the Windows8.1 machine as you suggested; but, also find to view this folder requires the 'Hide Protected Operating System Files' check box to be cleared - If I were to set-up the master file store under 'All Users' I would check the 'Hide Protected Operating System Files' afterwards as per MS Recommendation; not sure if this would then 'hide' the master file store..?

Separately - I'd prefer to share files via direct path to the 2 Windows7 Lap Tops; I.E. NOT via 'Home Group' - I guess; to use a sub-folder of the 'All Users' folder as the master store for file sharing will require a change in Permissions to allow the 2 Windows7 Lap Tops to see the files I wish to share..?

I've never liked to change Permissions without first mapping out the implications of the change; this can be complex and time consuming; even so, I'm still never sure if I've missed something - Security is, obviously, a high priority; I wouldn't want to allow sharing with 'Everyone' or expose 'All Users' to 'Everyone'.

I'd be interested to learn if there is a better way to share files than my original idea of setting-up a bogus user account just for purposes of file sharing, and without using 'Home Group'..?

Many thnX your support.

C

Hi Webtrash,

If you decide to share files with someone, you could share with homegroup, workgroup or a domain or the public folders.

Permission is the most important point for file sharing on network. Comprehensive permission settings is the only way for a high secure priority.

Since in work group, all computers are peers; no computer has control over another computer, each computer has a set of user accounts. To log on to any computer in the workgroup you must have an account on that computer. If you dont want to setting-up permissions for specific user, and set-up permission to a group of users, domain is required.

Regards

D. Wu