How to change the public folder options

Melissa · 26 Jan 2013

I have just looked in my computer and noticed that somehow that I have acquired Public Folders and pictures.

I have three computers and noticed that I have access to them.

Whilst I do not mind that they have access to my computer - when I have a picture that I wish to have saved to my computer - I just wish the default just to be to my location.

I also do not wish to loose any pictures.

It says that it has three locations - I do not even know which computer it is on and how to navigate to it, so I just wish to decide myself where to put it.

Can anyone please assist?

Brink · 26 Jan 2013

Hello Melissa,

The "My...." folders with shortcut arrows on them are not real folders, but only junction points for backwards compatibility for older programs that point to you real "My..." user folders. I would recommend to set you hidden files to no longer show so that you do not mistakenly use or do something to them.

Hidden Files and Folders - Show or Hide

In your screenshots above, you are only viewing files from the "Music" library on only your computer. Each default library includes your "My..." user folder and "Public" folder for it. For example, the "Music" library will have your "C:\Users\(user-name)\My Music" and "C:\Users\Public\Public Music" folders by default. If you like, read the tutorials below for more on this to help.

Hope this helps, :)
Shawn

Melissa · 27 Jan 2013

Dear Shawn,

I have followed what you said.

From what I understand from your reply is that my folders C:\Users\(user-name)\My Music and C:\Users\Public\Public Music are the same and it should not be changed.

I will keep them the same.

I am now on the other computer and tried to look at what you sent regarding libraries and I do not wish to make a mistake - just in case I make an error.

I have included screen shots from the other computer and just wish to have the location - Public Folders gone and that there is no sharing

Brink · 27 Jan 2013

Those folders are not the same. They are two different folders that have been included in the library to be able to view both of them in the library while they are actually still at their locations.

A library is just a collection point to view any folders you included in one place instead of having to go to each folder.

Melissa · 27 Jan 2013

I am so very confused - am I still on a system that has shared public folders with a collection of my own folders?

I know that it may be very obvious to computer savvy people - but having a shared folder is sometimes not so great.

I just dont know how to get the default option back and I am afraid of loosing data

mitchell65 · 27 Jan 2013

Hi Melissa. Very urgent. In the screenshot above you show your Windows licence. PLEASE urgently delete either the whole screen shot or at least blank out the licence details as anyone can use that licence key to install Windows 7 on any computer Illegal so it caould cause you a lot of trouble!!

Back to the topic. Sorry to but in here but it looks to me as if you are the only person who users the computers? That being so I shouldn't worry too much about not sharing a folder. Are you under the impression that the term "Public Folder" means that the public can view it?

Melissa · 27 Jan 2013

Dear Mictchell,

Thank you for alerting me to the fact of my screen shot. Not too sure how I got that in the shot.

Am I suppose to have that box ticked or unticked for sharing.

I guess I think - public means everyone in my house and other visable computers or network.

I get very confused.

Melissa · 27 Jan 2013

I am unsure if I am the only user.

Could someone please clarify if I am the only user...

I am on a WorkGroup it seems and not a HomeGroup.

If you require further details please let me know

mitchell65 · 27 Jan 2013

Melissa said:

I am unsure if I am the only user.

Could someone please clarify if I am the only user...

I am on a WorkGroup it seems and not a HomeGroup.

If you require further details please let me know

Then who is the Network administrator ie who set it up?
From your earlier posts when you speak of other people in the house you are clearly not the only user as "Grant" seems to use the same account as yourself!. Have you "Administrative rights" or are you a standard "User". Look under Control panel then User Accounts to see what it says against your name.

Melissa · 27 Jan 2013

Hello,

I am terribly sorry that I am not that great at conveying messages over this medium.

I do not wish to change user account settings as I hear that they are difficult to fix and change.

I am on both computers -

I had a look before on my computer and I had a default and Melissa&Grant as in the screen shot

Then the other computer - just the user.

By loosing the default one - which contained slightly less volume of data in it does it look alright for both computers not to be sharing.

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