Share a folder on your Mac with Windows clients

On the Mac:

1. System Preferences > Internet & Network > Sharing.
2. Click "Options".
3. Un-check "Share files and folders using AFP".
4. Check "Share files and folders using SMB".
5. Check the box next to the account name you want to enable.
6. Click "Done".
7. Check "File Sharing".
8. Under "Shared Folders", click the plus "+" sign and select the folder you want to share.
9. Click "Show All".
10. Internet & Network > Network.
11. Make sure the correct connection type on the left is selected and it says "Connected".
12. Click "Advanced" in the lower right.
13. Click "TCP/IP".
14. Note the "IPv4 Address" value.

On the Windows box:

1. Click Start (or Start > Run on older systems).
2. Type "\\the.mac.ip.address" and hit Enter.
3. Enter the short username and password of the Mac account when prompted.

An Explorer window will open to the shared folder on the Mac.