SECURITY ALERT: If you use Windows, do this...

[Shlomo]

There are always new security vulnerabilities and Microsoft is the king of bad ideas when it comes to security.

If you use Windows and are not on a local network behind a router, then you need to do the following:

• Go to Control Panel / Folder Options / View TAB
• Scroll down to where it say's "Use Sharing Wizard (Recomended)" and remove the check mark
• Click Apply and then OK

Doing this will prevent the Users directory (with all your personal files, settings, documents, and even your desktop) from being automatically shared to the Internet.

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-security/users-folder-shared-without-restrictions/6f912ddb-139e-445a-89fe-863c6aebb510

[kyel]

Microsoft must go after windows 8 lol it seriously sucks they should have included a start bar in it. Thanks though did do.

[JTFenthusiast2]

There are always new security vulnerabilities and Microsoft is the king of bad ideas when it comes to security.

If you use Windows and are not on a local network behind a router, then you need to do the following:

• Go to Control Panel / Folder Options / View TAB
• Scroll down to where it say's "Use Sharing Wizard (Recomended)" and remove the check mark
• Click Apply and then OK

Doing this will prevent the Users directory (with all your personal files, settings, documents, and even your desktop) from being automatically shared to the Internet.

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-security/users-folder-shared-without-restrictions/6f912ddb-139e-445a-89fe-863c6aebb510

Thanks Shlomo.  Done.

[Debbie Shafer]

Thanks Shlomo, keep this on the website for awhile...

[Kahane-Was-Right BT]

There are always new security vulnerabilities and Microsoft is the king of bad ideas when it comes to security.

If you use Windows and are not on a local network behind a router, then you need to do the following:

• Go to Control Panel / Folder Options / View TAB
• Scroll down to where it say's "Use Sharing Wizard (Recomended)" and remove the check mark
• Click Apply and then OK

Doing this will prevent the Users directory (with all your personal files, settings, documents, and even your desktop) from being automatically shared to the Internet.

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-security/users-folder-shared-without-restrictions/6f912ddb-139e-445a-89fe-863c6aebb510

What's a "local network behind a router" and how do I know if I am using one?

[Ephraim Ben Noach]

+1 and I can't find these settings on windows 8.

[Shlomo]

What's a "local network behind a router" and how do I know if I am using one?

If you have only one computer, you should follow the steps in the original post. If you have more than one and share files between the two on a network, then you probably have a router with a hardware firewall.

+1 and I can't find these settings on windows 8.

I'm not sure where it is on that mess called Windows 8. I installed it, used it for a week, formatted my computer, and went back to Windows 7. Wish I could help.

[nessuno]

+1 and I can't find these settings on windows 8.

At the top of the start screen with the tiles, type in control panel...anywhere in the blue area at the top.  It will bring up that 'app'.  Open the control panel and in the upper right hand corner you can search for folders.  That will bring you to the folder options.  Click on the view tab and scroll down.  There you can change the setting that Shlomo was referring to.  I hope that helps.

It helps to know that you can search in that upper area of the 'start' screen when looking for the control panel or documents (whatever).  I found that out the hard way. 

[Shlomo]

Remember to do this if you haven't already. Just a friendly reminder.

[ChabadKahanist]

I am still using XP I am not interested Windows 8 nor touch screen & am happy with my mouse & keyboard.

[Israel Chai]

I am still using XP I am not interested Windows 8 nor touch screen & am happy with my mouse & keyboard.

Lol xp rocks, but the noobs on hackthissite.org can hack it.

[mord]

my already had share with no one and a lock on it

[muman613]

Boy is MS having a hard month... Did you hear about the flaw in the August upgrade? Windows machines crashing with BSOD (blue screens of death)...

I pity those who must use windows... Baruch Hashem for alternatives!

[angryChineseKahanist]

I'll do that now....right after windows stops writing crap on my hard drive.
I have to wail until these endless loops finish....

Also, most people are behind some kind of firewall anyway. I doubt anyone's computer is directly connected to the internet. But definitely a good idea.

....ten years later...
The HDD lights stop flashing.
OK...>>uncheck<< Done!