Networking: Complete access

[Valykry]

Put simply, I own both a desktop and a laptop. the "homegroup" is a fine option for a simple video and music transfer from one to another, but what i want is for my laptop to have complete access to any file in my desktop unit, up to and including it's operating system folder. (no real need for that location, but that's the level of access i want, if possible) what's the best way to go about doing this?
the desktop and laptop are both windows 7. they connect via the "homegroup" option just fine, but that connection seems too limited.

 

[chev65]

When you set up a Homegroup it usually will give you access to the entire User folder of the other Homegroup machines. You can get to the User folder by going to "Network>User Name-PC > Users "folder">User name.

If you want total access to the entire drive the following link shows you how. Although this is not a very safe way to share because an attacker could gain access to the entire drive so use at your own risk.

Of course you can make the drive secure again by simply removing "Everyone" again. This is done through the Security tab of the actual drive. Link below shows you how.

http://www.sevenforums.com/network-sharing/92521-hdd-sharing.html#post798310

 

[kegobeer]

If you have admin access on the remote computer, you can access the root drive by using c$, like this: \\remotecomputer\c$. No extra sharing is required. However, I've never done any sharing with homegroups, so I don't know if you can do that - I've only used workgroups, which I know will work.

 

[Valykry]

actually chev65, even though i checked the settings (and triple checked), the home group only allows me access to some folders. such as it allows me into the videos folder, but not music (even though it is checked to share) and two other folders it allows.
and kekobeer, i can't believe workgroups slipped my mind. used to use them for my old XP machine but it's been a while. I personally don't like sharing the harddrive with everyone who has access to the network, just want access from this computer and profile. i'll try setting one up.

 

[kegobeer]

Workgroups don't give everyone access to the entire drive. That's why you set up non-admin accounts and give specific access to certain shares. Only administrators on the particular remote computer have root access using c$.

 

[Valykry]

sorry, by not wanting to share with everyone, i meant the way the HDD sharing link seemed to do. as he said, that method poses a risk.

 

[kegobeer]

I agree - don't share the entire drive. I would never follow those directions.

 

[chev65]

actually chev65, even though i checked the settings (and triple checked), the home group only allows me access to some folders. such as it allows me into the videos folder, but not music (even though it is checked to share) and two other folders it allows.
and kekobeer, i can't believe workgroups slipped my mind. used to use them for my old XP machine but it's been a while. I personally don't like sharing the harddrive with everyone who has access to the network, just want access from this computer and profile. i'll try setting one up.

By clicking on the "Network" in Windows Explorer, you also have access to the entire User folder of the other Homegroup machines. The "Network" icon in Explorer is the Workgroup which is set up by default as soon as you set up a Homegroup.

You can easily lock down any folder by just choosing to share with "Nobody" in the sharing permissions. As for the permission problem on the Music folder the following link should help.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/44464-homegroup-change-file-folder-sharing-settings.html

You did ask for "Networking: Complete access" correct? I'm not sure how this thread got side tracked in the opposite direction of your original request but setting up non admin accounts gives users restricted access which is pretty much the opposite of what you were asking about here.

The Security and permissions tabs will give you access to all other folders, also using the Security tab you can even allow access for only certain users which is a safer way to share though you need to add the "special User account" to your own machine in order to do that.

Homegroups works great provided that you know how to use them correctly. Some people just never take the time to learn.