Windows 7 - Making my data drive (F) accessible to other network pcs

I have a home network between a Win 7 64bit desktop and an XP Pro laptop. I am able using the Win 7 desktop to view and work with shared files on the XP. When I try to view the shared drive F (data) files from the XP laptop I get the error message the it is not available and that I might not have permission blah, blah blah. Other files/folders such as Desktop are OK.

Individual folders or files in that partition can be set for sharing and ARE accessible. Can't I make the entire partition (drive F) accessible?

Yes you can but it's considered to be a security risk. You would be better off sharing the User folder instead but if you need full drive access read below. The picture might help also.

Open My Computer -> right click Local Disk D or what ever your drive letter is -> select Properties -> select Security tab -> click Edit button -> click Add button -> enter the name of the User you want to set Security permissions (it is the same user name you've set the sharing permissions for, ex. Everyone will set the read permissions to every user which will attempt to connect to your shared drive) -> click OK -> select the desired permissions -> click OK -> wait while permissions are set -> and your Done.

Thank you. After adding "Everyone" and allowing access it worked.

Since this is a "data" only drive I don't consider this a security risk for my home network.

I agree that if the drive resides in your own private network it's not much of a security risk to allow full access to it. Glad that worked for you oldtraveler.