How to disable Simple File Sharing in Windows XP Home Edition

From ArticleWorld

There are times when you will want to disable Simple File Sharing in Windows XP. This is because SFS imposes some limits with which you may not feel too comfortable (most notably, the ability to change file permissions) .

Procedure

Although you will not be able to completely disable SFS, you will be able to change folder permissions by following these easy steps:

1. Reboot your computer to Safe Mode (hold down F8 before you see the Windows XP logo). Login as Administrator.
2. You will get a warning about running in Safe Mode. You can safely ignore it.
3. Find the file or folder whose permissions you want to change. Right-click on it and go to Properties. You will be able to change permissions here.

Notes

Do note that if you want to change permissions for a folder and all the subfolders inside it, you will have to click the Advanced button and check the box called "Replace permission entries on all child objects with entries shown here that apply to child objects" and click OK. You will get a warning message that says "This will remove explicitly defined permissions on all child objects and enable propagation of inheritable permissions to those child objects. Only inheritable permissions propagated from webapps will take effect. Do you want to continue?" You can safely click "Yes" here.

This may prove quite tedious after a while. If it is possible for you, you should consider upgrading to Windows XP Professional, which is less limited than its Home Edition counterpart.