How to Access My Documents Folder From a Different Computer
By Amanda Mack
The "My Documents" folder in the Windows operating systems is a popular storage location for documents and other personal files. Files and folders accessed through "My Documents" can be set to be shared across multiple computers, through web services, and through multiple users on the same computer. To share access to the folder across multiple computers on the same network, users must follow a few simple steps to ensure the folder will be readily accessible.
Sharing "My Documents" across PCs
Open Windows Explorer by selecting "Start," "All Programs," "Accessories" and, finally, "Windows Explorer." Locate the "My Documents" folder. If pulled up correctly, the folder should be at the top of the drop-down file list on the left side of the screen.
Right-click on "My Documents" and select "Properties." The "Properties" menu will display three tabs. Select the "Sharing" tab, and subsequently set "Share this folder on a network" along with any other options you deem necessary.
Access the shared folder from another computer on your network. First select "My Network Places" from the "Start" menu. Doing so should bring up a list of the different computers on your network. Select the appropriate computer from which the file or folder in question is located. All folders able to be shared should be visible. Find "My Documents" and select to view the containing files.
References
Tips
- To allow access to all containing files in a specified folder, users should select "allow network users to make changes to my files" under the "Sharing" tab.
- The "Share Name" text box is used to allow the name of the folder to be changed on the network only. The name, such as "My Documents," remains the same on the original computer.
- While file-sharing is available for most files and folders on your Windows computer, files located in the "Documents and Settings," "Program Files," and "Windows System Folders" are not able to be shared.
Warnings
- Users sharing files or folders on a network should be cognizant of potential access to those files and folders. To make certain files in a folder private, select "make this file private" in the "Sharing" tab of the "Properties" option.
- Guest users on a computer are not able to create shared folders to the network.
Writer Bio
Amanda Mack is a writer residing in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Arkansas Tech University. Her areas of interests include contract law, commercial law, animal care, and English history.