To configure File sharing, you need to create a Workgroup name for your computers so you can see and access your files from all your computers within the network. 

Windows 10
Windows 8
Windows 7/Vista
Windows XP
 

Windows 10

Step 1:
Click the Search  icon on the system tray and enter computer in the Search field.

Step 2:
Click the Computer  icon.

Step 3:
In the window that opens, right-click on Computer and select Properties.

Step 4:
Select the Advanced system settings option.

Step 5:
Select Computer Name and click the Change… button.

Step 6:
Enter a unique Computer Name and Workgroup name then click OK. 

NOTE:  All computers in the network should have the same Workgroup name.  In this example, WORKGROUP is the name used.
 

Step 7:
You will be prompted to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.  Click OK.

You can now proceed to the Folder Sharing steps.  For instructions, click here.

Windows 8

Step 1:
Summon the Charms bar and click the Search charm.

Step 2:
Enter computer in the Search field and press [Enter].

QUICK TIP:  Make sure you select Apps. 
 

Step 3:
Right-click on Computer and select Properties.
 

Step 4:
Select the Change advanced sharing settings... option.
 

Step 5:
Select Computer Name and click the Change… button.
 

Step 6:
Enter a unique Computer Name and Workgroup name then click OK. 

NOTE:  All computers in the network should have the same Workgroup name.  In this example, WORKGROUP is the name used.

Step 7:
You will be prompted to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.  Click OK.
 

You can now proceed to the Folder Sharing steps.  For instructions, click here.

Windows 7/Vista

Step 1:
Click the Pearl   button.  Right-click on Computer and click Properties.
 

Step 2:
Click Advanced system settings under Control Panel Home.
 

Step 3:
Select Computer Name and then click on the Change… button.
 

Step 4:
Enter a unique Computer Name and Workgroup name then click OK. 

NOTE:  All computers in the network should have the same Workgroup name.  In this example, WORKGROUP is the name used.
 

Step 5:
You will be prompted to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.  Click OK.
 

You can now proceed to the Folder Sharing steps.  For instructions, click here.
 

Windows XP

Step 1:
On your desktop, right-click on My Computer and click Properties.

Step 2:
Select Computer Name and then click on the Change… button.
 

Step 3:
Enter a unique Computer Name and Workgroup name in the Workgroup field then click OK.

NOTE:  All computers in the network should have the same Workgroup name.  In this example, WORKGROUP was the name used. 

Step 4:
You will be prompted to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
 

You can now proceed to the Folder Sharing steps.  For instructions, click here.
 

NOTE:  Ensure that you have a minimum level of security on your antivirus or Internet security software  in order to communicate with other computers in your network.  If you encounter problems accessing shared folders in the network, make sure you belong to the same Workgroup and you have a unique computer name for each computer.  You may also try to turn OFF your Windows firewall temporarily and any other third party firewall.

For more information, refer to the Microsoft support site.


Related Articles:

Setting up file sharing between computers with Windows OS
Sharing a folder using a Windows-based computer
Enabling file and printer sharing on a Windows-based computer