What is a Public folder on Windows 10?

This is a very useful feature if you want to share files with other users of the computer. If your computer has others users you should be aware of the existence of this feature. Public folder is therefore available to all users, a shared folder. any user who can log into the computer can access the Public folder without any other permission. If you and your users are working on a common document then it is easy to colloboratively work on the document using the Public folder by moving the document to the folder.

You can find Public folder here (C:\Users\) :

PublicFolder_00

The folder contents are as shown. Foxit Software is not one of the defaults, the others are and to begin with they are all empty. You move related files that your other users can access.

PublicFolder_01

These are the visible items and there are few hidden ones.

In the folder's View menu, place check mark on Hiddem items as shown.

PublicFolder_02

The folders Libraries and Public Account Pictures are the hidden items. The Public Desktop folder, also hidden contains applications that are shared. Usually the installed software asks at installation time whether you want the app shared and if you have clicked YES, you will find them here as in my case.

PublicFolder_03

From the properties of this folder you can make changes to the security and access advanced properties as well.

Can an external USB drive connected to Windows XP be accessed from a Windows 7 computer on the network?

Yes. It is possible.
Using the following elements I was able to access a USB drive connected to Windows XP x32bit.

• Windows XP x32 bit Toshiba Satellite [Toshiba-Michiko]
• Windows 7 Ultimate x64 bit Toshiba Satellite P775 [HodentekWin7]
• Linksys Router

The Windows 7 is on Wi-Fi off the same router. Windows XP has the Lan Connection
These are the steps taken to access:
1. You need to share the hard drive and the connected drive (in my case it is a FreeAgent GoFlex drive) of the XP. Allow sharing files/folders on both C: and connected drive

2. You should allow incoming connections to XP (Firewall settings)

3. Verify connectivity by pinging each computer from the other.

4. Now you can access the files on the connected drive

 

Also review this link:

https://superuser.com/questions/510332/using-xp-cant-access-other-shared-folders-in-win-7/724686#724686

Mahalo