School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences

Windows 95, 98, and ME file sharing fixes



last revision August 10, 2004

Steps to secure your Windows PC:

  1. Use strong passwords
  2. Install security patches
  3. Share files correctly
    1. Fixes for Windows 95, 98, and ME
    2. Fixes for Windows NT and 2000
    3. Fixes for Windows XP
  4. Use anti-virus software
  5. Protect against email viruses
  6. Install PCLeland
  7. Minimize open network services
  8. Run a security analyzer
  9. Do regular backups
  10. Apply special Windows XP fixes

When you share a directory in Windows 95, 98, or ME, you are offered the choice to allow others on the network full control (including ability to make or delete files) or read-only access, but in either case, anyone can connect with no password in the default configuration. At a minimum, you must set a strong password. Even with a password, read-only access is more secure.

Also, there were bugs in the original 95, 98, or ME distributions that allowed hackers to bypass password settings on file shares, so make sure that you have installed all Microsoft critical updates for your system.

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