Disable file sharing

Hackers could take advantage of your non-essential operating system services in order to compromise your computer. It is therefore recommended that you disable services that you do not need.

In Windows, there are numerous services like file sharing or remote access that are not essential for a computer's operation.

NOTE: This section explains how to disable file sharing. Prior to disabling other services, learn more about their usefulness; otherwise, you may lose important functionalities of the operating system.

Windows XP (SP3)

  1. Click the Start menu
  2. Click Control Panel
  3. Click Security Center
  4. Click Windows Firewall
  5. Click Exceptions
  6. Clear the File and printer sharing check box
  7. Click the OK button

Windows Vista

  1. Click the Start menu
  2. Click Control Panel
  3. Click Network and Internet
  4. Click Network and Sharing Center
  5. Click the arrow next to File sharing, click Turn off file sharing, and then click Apply
  6. Click the arrow next to Printer sharing, click Turn off printer sharing, and then click Apply
Haut de page