The instructions I found on Apple’s support pages were missing a few points, so I decided to write it myself. This tutorial will show you how to read and write files stored in your Mac (running OSX 10.5 Leopard) Public Folder from your PC (running Windows XP SP3) on the same network.

Note: This tutorial will show you how to do it via FTP instead of SMB, because the latter does not work for me for some reason.

1. On your Mac, open System preferences. Click on Sharing.

2. On the list of services, check ‘File Sharing’. Click on Options, and check “Share Files and Folders via FTP. Also, check your account in the account box. Click Done.

3. Back to the Sharing Window, ensure that it says “FTP Access: On” next to a green light. Take note of the address stated below. It will normally look like “192.168.0.X”

4. Now turn on your PC and make sure its on the same network as your Mac. If you do not know what that means, just make sure that both your PC and Mac are connected to the same router/modem/switch, even if one of your computers connect via wireless.

5. Open My Computer. On the Address bar, type “ftp://192.168.0.X” (The same address you noted on the Sharing window).

6. You might encounter an error message. Ignore it. With your blank window and the correct address on the address bar, right click on the blank space and choose “Login As…”

7. Type your Mac admin user name and password, with “Log on anonymously” unchecked.

8. You can now view all your files on your Mac from your PC!

If you want to share only the files on your Public Folder to a guest, then go back to the Sharing window and add a user. You can set a username and password there. Enjoy!