In Windows NT and Windows 2000, to share a folder you can use Explorer or My Computer and right-click on a folder and you had access to a Sharing tab. Not in Windows XP. That simple functionality is turned off by default. To turn it back on:
Click Start
Click My Computer
Click Tools menu option
Click Folder Options
Click View tab
In Advanced settings dialog, at the bottom:
Uncheck Use simple file sharing (Recommended)
Now when you right-click a folder in Windows XP, you will see a Sharing option. Windows XP Home Edition supports only Simple File Sharing. Windows XP Professional supports both sharing models.