The Internet is a shared resource with many people using it at any given time. File and print sharing increases the risk that other Internet users could gain access to any of the files on your computer's hard drive. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you disable file and print sharing on your computer before connecting to the Internet using the CURRENT Broadband® service.

Please choose your computer’s operating system from the list below to access instructions for disabling file sharing for the Microsoft operating systems on your personal computer.

Disable file sharing on Windows® 98SE or ME Operating Systems

1.       Select Start, select Settings, select Control Panel.

2.       Select Network, press Enter (on your keyboard).

3.       From the Configuration tab, click the File and Print Sharing button.

4.       Uncheck the I want to be able to give others access to my files and I want to be able to allow others to print to my printers check boxes.

5.       Click OK.

6.       Select the TCP/IP protocol associated with the Ethernet adapter connected to the Current Broadband modem and click Properties.

7.       From TCP/IP Properties, select the Bindings tab.

8.       Uncheck the File and printer sharing for Microsoft Networks check box, click OK.

9.       Click OK.

10.   Restart your computer to commit changes.

If you require file / print sharing on your computer, you can reduce your susceptibility to hackers by setting a password for access to all of your shared files, directories and printers.

Setting a password on Windows® 98 or ME Operating Systems File or Directory Shares:

1.       Locate the file, folder or printer you wish to share and select it.

2.       From the File menu, select Properties.

3.       From the Properties window, select the Sharing tab, select Shared As… .

4.       Under Access Type, choose one of the following:

a.       Select Read Only. This will allow another user on your network to read the file but not make any changes to the file or directory or printer.

b.       Select Full Access. This will allow another user on your network full access to the shared file or directory or printer.

5.       Select the password field that corresponds to your Access Type choice (Step 4a or 4b).

6.       Enter a password in the appropriate field, click OK.

To deter potential intruders from guessing your password, we recommend that your password contain a minimum of eight characters and a mix of numbers and upper- and lower-case letters.

7.       Click OK.

We recommend that you enable printer sharing only when you wish to share your printer with other users. When others are not printing from your printer, disable print sharing.

Disable file sharing on the Windows® 2000 Operating System

1.       Select Start, select Settings, select Network and Dial-Up Connections.

2.       Select Local Area Connection.

3.       From the File menu, select Properties.

Depending on how many adapters are installed on your Windows® 2000 system, multiple Local Area Connection / Wireless Network Connection icons may appear. Choose the one associated with your Ethernet / Wireless adapter that is connected to the Current Broadband modem.

4.       Uncheck the File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks check box.

5.       Click OK.

Disable file sharing on the Windows® XP and Vista Operating Systems

1.       Select Start, select Control Panel (if Classic Start Menu is enabled, select Settings, select Control Panel).

2.       Select Network and Internet Connections (if Classic View is enabled, double-click Network Connections. If Vista, select Network and Sharing Center).

3.       Select Network Connections (only if Category View was enabled in Step 2).

4.       Select Local Area Connection (for Vista, click on View Status).

5.       From the File menu, select Properties.

Depending on how many adapters are installed on your system, multiple Local Area Connection / Wireless Network Connection icons may appear. Choose the one associated with your Ethernet / Wireless adapter that is connected to the Current Broadband modem.

6.       Uncheck the File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks check box.

7.       Click OK.

More information about File and Printer Sharing Security can be found at:

PC Help – File and Printer Sharing and the Internet

Securing File and Printer Sharing in Windows