File Sharing Issue on Home Network

[Frost17]

Hello,

I apologize I'm a newb when it comes to networking. Did a bit of searching but can't seem to find anything on what I'm looking to do.

Currently have a wireless router and a roommate. We have a home network set up-- and there is a Homegroup that he set up with his username and password.

I want to be able to set up file sharing for my own devices separate from his. How can I achieve this? All machines are running either Windows 7 or 8 -- would be nice to connect enable easy file sharing from my Android Phone as well.

Best way to do it?

 

[strollin]

You should be able to create a Workgroup and then share only the folders you wish to share with only the users you wish to grant access.

A Homegroup and a Workgroup can exist within the same network so his machines don't need to join your Workgroup and your machines don't need to be a member of his Homegroup.

Join or create a workgroup - Microsoft Windows Help

Share files with someone - Microsoft Windows Help

If you use an app like ES File Explorer, your Android phone can access the shares setup in your Windows Workgroup.

http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39...en-android-and-windows-with-es-file-explorer/

 

[BK_123]

Another solution would be to partition a drive and then map it on the network.

Windows 8 - Create a shortcut to (map) a network drive - Microsoft Windows Help

Windows 7 - Create a shortcut to (map) a network drive - Microsoft Windows Help

 

[_michaelm]

+1 for both of the above, definitely the right way to go about it. The workgroup method is probably easier to start with, but you'll achieve the same results with either.

 

[BK_123]

Another solution would be to partition a drive and then map it on the network.

Windows 8 - Create a shortcut to (map) a network drive - Microsoft Windows Help

Windows 7 - Create a shortcut to (map) a network drive - Microsoft Windows Help

Building on from what I said before if you have an old computer laying around you could easily set it up as a file server running Windows and just map the drives on the network.