What is the difference between a "user" getting access to a file/folder versus a "computer" getting access to it when sharing folders? While setting up a server I know I can grant each "computer" on the network different levels of access to a folder. But how do I grant access to each "user" who uses the computer so that even if the user switches computers his/her access level remains the same. Do I need to set up a domain for the network to do this ? us

Actually you have it backwards. With Windows you grant access to shared folders to users not computers. If you are using a workgroup you have to make sure password protected sharing is enabled on all computers and identical accounts exist on the "server" and the clients. If a user needs to use more than one workstation you must create their account on each workstation they will use. In a domain things work a little differently. The user accounts exist in Active Directory. When a user logs on to any workstation joined to the domain their account is authenticated by a domain controller. This allows you to centrally manage the user accounts rather than setting up accounts on each computer.Kerry Brown MS-MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

Thanks so much for your explanation but I am still a little confused. To explain you the scenario first, I am setting up a WHS (HP Mediasmart server) in a small organization (5-6 people) and because of the confidentiality I want to restrict access to the files and folders which get created on the server. From what you are saying it seems like I can create each computer's account on the WHS(which I am assuming will automatically get created as soon as I connect each computer to the server). 1. How do I enable "password protected sharing" on all computers. Is this a property I can set while sharing?2. How do I make sure that a user can login with the same credentials on all computers [ I am assuming this is not possible until I setup a domain]3. If 2 above is not possible, how do I make sure that the access level to folders/files remain the same for a user irrespective of from what computer does he/she logs in. I am not liking the idea of creating a domain (1) more work, 2) not really required etc) and want to connect them to the server for sharing and backup.Seth

Hello Seth1461, Thank you for visiting the Microsoft Answers Community site. The issue you posted would be better suited in the TechNet Windows 7 Networking community. Please visit the link below to find the community that will offer the support your request. http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7itpronetworking/threads Hope this helps JAdam Microsoft Answers Support Engineer Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think

You don't need a domain to do this. 1. Open the Network and Sharing Center. Click on "Change advanced sharing settings". Set the following options. Turn on network discovery. Turn on file and printer sharing. Under "HomeGroup connections" set "Use user accounts and passwords ...". The rest are optional depending on what devices are on the network and what folders you want to share. 2. Make sure the same accounts with the same passwords exist on all the computers. 3. See #2 A domain does make this easier. You need a Windows server OS to create a domain. With five or less workstations a workgroup is quite manageable. More than that and you may want to look at a real server with a domain.Kerry Brown MS-MVP - Windows Desktop Experience