By default, when you add a new network connection to your Windows 2000 based computer, Windows adds a "File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks" component to this connection. This means that if you are connected to a Microsoft network, you will have the option to share your files and or printers with other network members.

If you are not planning on connecting to such a network, don't want to share your files or folders, or just want to do something else to improve your computer security, disable this option.

Click on the "Start" menu, choose "Settings", then "Network and Dial-Up Connections". For each of the connections that you use, right-click on the connection and choose "Properties". When the multi-tabbed "Properties" dialog box appears, select "General". Then, uncheck "File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks". If you are not using a Microsoft network, you may also want to uncheck "Client for Microsoft Networks". When done, press "OK" to close the dialog box.

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