What don't I understand on sharing of files?

[Bill in SD, CA]

I have 4 machines networked on a LinkSys router and my question is regarding my dual boot machine.

Machine #1: W2K - NTFS
Machine #2: W2K - NTFS
Machine #3: dual boot - 98 FAT32 - W2K - NTFS
Machine #4: XP - NTFS - Laptop

No admin passwords on any of them.

All 4, when running 2K - XP can fully access each other. BTW, I just added the XP laptop the other week. I knew, or thought I knew, that when the dual boot was running 98 that it would not be able to access the 2K machines. When I clicked on "Computers Near Me" it would ask for the password for access. There are no passwords and my thought was that was because the file system is NTFS on the 2K machines. This is what I expected although I didn't understand the password request. What I expected was just a blank explorer window upon access.

Now, here's the question. When I try to access the XP laptop it does not ask for a password and shows all the files and folders. While I don't have access to some folders (such as Windows and program files) I do have access and can transfer some files from the laptop to the 98 machine from the desktop. Why is this with the XP machine and why can I not do the same on the 2K machines?

I had been taught/told that 98 cannot read anything on a NTFS machine. Obviously this is not entirely true. What don't I understand here?

Humbly confused ,

Bill

[meese]

The fat32 thing only applies to that machine. So you can't view the NTFS partition only on that machine. When it comes to shares the win98 machine can view NTFS partitions on other machines.

[meese]

Also check out this link: http://x220.minasi.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3163

[Bill in SD, CA]

Thanks for the link. Clears up my question. Which now brings up another.

Say on the 98 machine that I'm logged in as "ABC." In 2K in "Users and Passwords" I see that I cannot add a new user unless I tick the box "Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer." If I do that and add"ABC" as a user can I, when done, untick the the box "Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer?"

Since it is a home network I really don't want to go through the hassle of entering passwords on the 2K machines if I can avoid it.

Thanks,

Bill

[meese]

You can create as many users as you want. If you want to boot without the logon screen you can choose which user you want to be the"default".