Member Avatar for rostorfer3

Me and my friend want to have a way to share our music, videos and other stuff throught a shared folder for just us or if not just for us with a password protection. She lives like down the block from me. If some one could be help us!!!! I have tired the FTP ing thing and that is to hard for me to work..(setting it up.) :sad:

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Short, practical summary for and anyone who lands here later: the thread already split into two themes — “make it easy” (FTP or cloud-style sharing) and “make it private / LAN-like” (VPN/bridge). was right that a VPN is the most secure LAN-like solution, and and others were right that plain FTP is simpler but less safe. Below are clear, modern options plus a short checklist so a non‑expert can pick the right path.

Options and tradeoffs (pick one):

  • Cloud file sync (easiest): install the same sync client on both machines, put shared files into the folder and give your friend access. No router changes, no port‑forwarding, automatic sync. Good for casual sharing; encrypt sensitive files locally before uploading if privacy matters.
  • Managed “virtual LAN” service (middle ground): creates a private, encrypted network so both PCs behave like they’re on the same LAN — useful for file shares and LAN games without heavy router configuration. Simpler than building your own VPN.
  • Point‑to‑point Wi‑Fi bridge (if houses are physically close): hardware creates one LAN across both houses — fastest and doesn’t use the internet, but needs two APs/antennas and a bit of setup. Secure with WPA2 and a strong passphrase.
  • Self‑hosted server (advanced): run an SFTP/secure file server on one PC and forward a port on your router. Full control but requires port forwarding, firewall rules, and basic network troubleshooting.

Quick setup & troubleshooting checklist:

  • Decide which option above fits your skills (cloud for least effort).
  • If doing direct connections, check the host’s public IP and set up dynamic DNS if it changes.
  • Configure router port‑forward for the chosen service and add firewall exceptions on the host.
  • Create a dedicated non‑admin user for sharing and use strong passwords.
  • Test connectivity from the other house (ping/traceroute then file transfer).
  • If anything fails, check ISP port blocks and try a managed virtual‑LAN service which usually bypasses NAT problems.

Security/legal notes: do not enable anonymous/guest shares, avoid plain FTP over the internet, and avoid sharing copyrighted media if you don’t have the right to do so. For most people here, cloud sync or a managed virtual‑LAN gives the best balance of simplicity and safety — safer than raw FTP and far easier than rolling your own VPN from scratch.

Recommended Answers

All 20 Replies

Member Avatar for Member #2466

Ok...one of two ways...Either a VPN (recommended for security) or you would both join the same workgroup, same subnet, and then enable printer and file sharing (full of security holes) and you'd be able to do things fine.

Windows has a built in VPN that you can use...try this document to configure it:

Hope this helps.

Member Avatar for bentkey

You can use remote desktop control software for this sort of thing. Then you don't have to mess with Windows networking.

Member Avatar for Member #2466

ick...remote desktop? ew...why do that when transfer speeds for what he wants to do will be so much better and more secure via VPN? There are a ton of holes to punch through with remote desktop enabled.

Member Avatar for JonnyBlazexx

Ok...one of two ways...Either a VPN (recommended for security) or you would both join the same workgroup, same subnet, and then enable printer and file sharing (full of security holes) and you'd be able to do things fine.

Windows has a built in VPN that you can use...try this document to configure it:

Hope this helps.

Is the built in VPN legit? I have been looking to do something like this for so long using a VPN. do you know if it makes "lan" games possible? by fooling the computer into believing that the two computers are directly linked? In theroy this woudl work.

I was just hoping that you might have some experience doing this?

Thanks!

Member Avatar for Member #2466

As for me...I did things the easy way when I was first starting with XP Networking...I went with the 10 minute Linux Firewall (there is a tutorial I wrote here on this) using Smoothwall Linux. It took about 20 minutes to install and configure and I had a network setup with VPN...and this is especially good for LAN gaming.

I had a 16 port hub and a WAP. People just plugged in and were on the LAN in less than a minute. If I wanted to transfer files in between XP machines, I used the VPN settings via smoothwall to enable the function and I was secure, fast, and done. Plus, if you ask a smoothwall user via their forums if they've ever been hacked...the answer is always 'NO'...it is one of the best Firewall/VPN clients out there and can run on a spare 150Mhz computer. I'd recommend going that route for ultimate security and configurability.

If you want to check it out, the tutorial is here: http://daniweb.com/tutorials/14094.html

Hope it helps!

Member Avatar for JonnyBlazexx

As for me...I did things the easy way when I was first starting with XP Networking...I went with the 10 minute Linux Firewall (there is a tutorial I wrote here on this) using Smoothwall Linux. It took about 20 minutes to install and configure and I had a network setup with VPN...and this is especially good for LAN gaming.

I had a 16 port hub and a WAP. People just plugged in and were on the LAN in less than a minute. If I wanted to transfer files in between XP machines, I used the VPN settings via smoothwall to enable the function and I was secure, fast, and done. Plus, if you ask a smoothwall user via their forums if they've ever been hacked...the answer is always 'NO'...it is one of the best Firewall/VPN clients out there and can run on a spare 150Mhz computer. I'd recommend going that route for ultimate security and configurability.

If you want to check it out, the tutorial is here: http://daniweb.com/tutorials/14094.html

Hope it helps!

I looked at the link you said for the built in vpn.. but it really isnt a built in vpn.. it is just how windows accesses another vpn? So i dont see how that helps me out? haha. sorry! i am lost.

I do not have an extra machine around. I am at school, not home :( so the smoothwall path is out of the question right?

Just when i thought I was home free and i could use a vpn.. i am right back to where I was before! haha. damn.

-Jonny

Member Avatar for Member #2466

there is free and open source VPN software you can use on XP...gimme a sec and I'll find a link for you...

Member Avatar for Member #2466

Ok...got a free VPN solution that works for Windows 2000/XP. If you can install a program onto the computers you're discussing...you can use it.

They have a mailing list for help, documentation online, and a FAQ. See if that will get you what you need?

Member Avatar for JonnyBlazexx

Ok...got a free VPN solution that works for Windows 2000/XP. If you can install a program onto the computers you're discussing...you can use it.

They have a mailing list for help, documentation online, and a FAQ. See if that will get you what you need?

thanks a ton for the help! I am going to try it out right now.

Member Avatar for JonnyBlazexx

thanks a ton for the help! I am going to try it out right now.

holy shit. That is such a complicated way to go. I appreciate the help.. but it is insane!! haha :cry:

There are soo many extra libraries to download, in extensions i have never heard of. so far i am up to downloading files from 6 other sites.. and none of it makes sense, i dont know how to even begin to start running the program to get it to set up. I do not consider myself to be an amateur computer user either. This stuff is just really crazy. Unless you really know what you are doing (i mean REALLY REALLY know) its hopeless. ugh. sigh. there went a good 45 minutes.

Member Avatar for rostorfer3

holy shit. That is such a complicated way to go. I appreciate the help.. but it is insane!! haha :cry:

There are soo many extra libraries to download, in extensions i have never heard of. so far i am up to downloading files from 6 other sites.. and none of it makes sense, i dont know how to even begin to start running the program to get it to set up. I do not consider myself to be an amateur computer user either. This stuff is just really crazy. Unless you really know what you are doing (i mean REALLY REALLY know) its hopeless. ugh. sigh. there went a good 45 minutes.

:lol:

I totally agree with him. I just need to know if there is a easy way to transfer files back and forth. I don't know where to begin on the VPN. I was told that there are ports that your broadband people have to open and it cost money. I will use FTP program just as long as it is easy to use and easy to sety up. the person that i am sharind stuff with is more dumb with computers then me. :rolleyes:

Member Avatar for JonnyBlazexx

:lol:

I totally agree with him. I just need to know if there is a easy way to transfer files back and forth. I don't know where to begin on the VPN. I was told that there are ports that your broadband people have to open and it cost money. I will use FTP program just as long as it is easy to use and easy to sety up. the person that i am sharind stuff with is more dumb with computers then me. :rolleyes:

If it is just basic file transfer you are looking at.. I once used windows built in ftp... which is relatively easy to use. It allows your (really dumb friend! haha j/k) to easily access your files via internet explorer by merely typing in your ip address. Its very easy and straightforward. I will try to find the tutorial. I know how to do it.. but you must download something for windows.. its like the .net library or something? I dont remember. And you have to enable something. like i said, i will just try to find the tutorial for you. Because seriously, that vpn thing that i went on a hunt for is impossible!!!! :mrgreen:

Member Avatar for bentkey

ick...remote desktop? ew...why do that when transfer speeds for what he wants to do will be so much better and more secure via VPN? There are a ton of holes to punch through with remote desktop enabled.

I was not talking about XP's remote desktop feature. I was talking about 3rd party remote desktop software in a generic sense. Only about 1 packet in 7 in a VPN actually goes into data transfer and the rest is used to support the tunnel. Windows browsing under these conditions is awful unless you have major bandwidth.

Member Avatar for suRoot

ok, have you tired running a dc++hub and a DC++ client, with one being a hub 2 way sharing ad secure.. google for links but it will work

Member Avatar for Igrok

VNC is a remote desktop app and is free - works really well.

Member Avatar for Thong_Ispector

If the guy cannot figure out how to do a basic FTP then I dont think he would be able to get a VPN set up correctly.

I think it we could walk him through setting up a FTP without much trouble...

What FTP server did you try to setup?
What FTP program did you use to try and access it from the other machine?

Member Avatar for rostorfer3

If the guy cannot figure out how to do a basic FTP then I dont think he would be able to get a VPN set up correctly.

I think it we could walk him through setting up a FTP without much trouble...

What FTP server did you try to setup?
What FTP program did you use to try and access it from the other machine?

I tired smart ftp and bullet proff and u-serve

Member Avatar for ac3bf1

I tired smart ftp and bullet proff and u-serve

cesar FTP works gr8 tryit..
take it from my site
should be there

www.ac3bf1.com ("downloads" section and go to "apps" and i think "server realted")
ill check

Member Avatar for ac3bf1

ok go here


cesar FTP works gr8 tryit..
take it from my site
should be there

www.ac3bf1.com ("downloads" section and go to "apps" and i think "server realted")
ill check

Member Avatar for bassbinn

is a nice little app and allows password protection of folders the site tells you how to set it all up

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