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I have a domain and a workgroup. My users are supposed to upload files on regular basis to several shared folders on the workgroup.

I have difficulty accessing the workgroup shared folders without firstly mapping them to a drive letter. I do not need (neither want) to create separate network drives for say 15 different workgroup folders (they are on separate PCS).

Is there a way how to create a shortcut to shared workgroup folder so that the destination workgroup folder will open on clicking it?

Here are the key remarks:

  • The OS used: Windows XP SP3
  • The 15 shared workgroup folders are on different PCs
  • Ideally, I wish to access them without username and password, if possible
  • If the workgroup shared folders can not be accessed without username and password, I will create identcal user and very simple password for all of them, but i wish to have them used without asking users to enter it
  • I wish to accomplish this on clicking one file (shortcut to the shared folder or .bat script)
  • After the user clicks the file, I wish to have open the desired location
  • The solution can be achieved with simple script
  • I do not wish to use: USE NET and map separate drive for every location

Thank you.

Bunkai.Satori
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1 Answers1

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Enable the built-in Guest account and set a blank password.

Set share and ntfs permissions on the share and folder for the Guest account.

Make a simple shortcut to the share and drop it on the users desktop.

Molotch
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  • @Molotoch, thanks for your reply. This is the way, i would expect it to work. However, during the shortcut creation, when I type the hostname or the IP Address, I always get: **"the file \\IP Addr\Fodder" cannot be found.** I am sure, I have configured both, Share and NTFS permissions for Guest and that I can Ping the target PC. – Bunkai.Satori Dec 25 '12 at 18:08
  • @Molotoch: the only way, I was able to achieve this is calling **NET USE \\hostname\folder /user:myUser myPSW** However, in this case, I have to manually click on the shortcut, and that requires two steps. I look for a slingle click solution, like the above described. – Bunkai.Satori Dec 25 '12 at 18:14
  • Could you perhaps make that a shortcut to a .cmd containing the `net use` and a call to `explorer.exe \\hostname\folder` which would mount and open said share in a single click? – mprill Dec 25 '12 at 18:26
  • @Bunkai.Satori What happens if you use the hostname when you create the shortcut, same error message? Try both with and without an ending backslash \ – Molotch Dec 25 '12 at 20:55
  • @Molotch: Yes, I tried multiple variations. Exactly, within the **Create Shortcut** window, in the first step I am supposed to enter the location. After entring it, the system waits cca 30 seconds and then say the above error: **"The Directory cannot be found"**. That is basically all, and I may not go further within the process. – Bunkai.Satori Dec 25 '12 at 21:39
  • @Bunkai.Satori Sounds like a Windows XP issue. Try browsing to the folder in explorer using the Entire Network node and right click "create shortcut" on the folder. – Molotch Dec 25 '12 at 22:26
  • @Molotch: Mabe, its just not meant to be possible, that Domain PCs would see Workgroup PCs? Well, i will keep reading. Thank you for your kind help. Take care. – Bunkai.Satori Dec 25 '12 at 22:46
  • Did you try disabling the Windows Firewall on the workgroup PCs? – user5870571 Nov 11 '16 at 01:41