Windows 7: Public read permission in SMB share

My PC is running Windows 7 Ultimate x64 and I have shared a few folders using advanced sharing. I have given 'Everyone' read permission to the folder. To test this I use my laptop which is running the same OS, press WinKey+R and enter \\<IP-address>. Windows then prompts me for username and password. The same happens if I try to connect directly to the directory by entering \\<IP-address>\<directory>. How can I access my files without having to log in with my account on the PC that is sharing files? All I wan't to do is to give ANYone on the network read permissions. They shouldn't have to authenticate.

Thanks for your reply!

The reason that I can't use authentication is that I will be hosting a file server for a LAN gaming event, and it has to be really easy for the clients so they don't have to make adjustments. I think I should just stick with a local web server.

You said that those steps were necessary to make Windows 7 work with older servers, but the thing is, both the server and the client that I have been testing are running Windows 7 Ultimate x64.

Have you enabled the "Guest Account"?

By default it's disabled. So that even though you give "everyone" access, you are not giving them /anonymous/ access. They must log in to get it. But the Guest account should allow anyone to connect without having to log in as a user, they will auto log-in as "guest".

I activated the guest account and it works. I have password protected it to prevent local login but it still works.

Thanks a lot!