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Windows XP and Explorer - Disable Searching for Network Folders and Printers

SUMMARY: Prevent Windows XP from polling for non-existent network folders or printers.

When you're connected to a network, Windows XP may be configured to automatically search for available network folders and printers to which you may connect. It will place such shortcuts in "My Network Places".

If you are on a computer network that's constantly changing, or if you don't want to have to manually look for folders and printers, this option is useful. However, in other situations this polling may just add CPU usage and take up network bandwidth. Thus, to disable this feature:

1. Double-click the "My Computer" icon on the desktop to open the "My Computer" window.

2. Choose "Tools" - "Folder Options".

3. The "Folder Options" multi-tabbed dialog box will appear. Select the "View" tab.

4. Underneath "Files and Folders", uncheck "Automatically search for network folders and printer".

5. Click "OK" to close the dialog box, and then close the "My Computer" window.