Windows file sharing with a private LAN when a public VPN is connected?

Posted by netvope on Super User See other posts from Super User or by netvope
Published on 2010-03-15T12:02:38Z Indexed on 2010/03/15 12:10 UTC
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OS: Windows Vista

My LAN interface is configured as a "private network". I want to have all the sharing and discovery features (Network Discovery, File Sharing, Public Folder Sharing, Printer Sharing, Password Protected Sharing, and Media Sharing), so I enabled them all.

My VPN interfaces are configured as "public networks", and I do NOT want to have any of the above features.

Now the problem is that if I disabled these sharing features while a VPN is connected, it affects both interfaces. I guess the Network and Sharing Center is probably an oversimplified tool that may not support multiple interfaces. Where can I tell Windows to enable sharing features for the private networks and not the public networks?

For file sharing, I think I can disable "File and Printer Sharing for MS Networks" in each of the VPNs' properties. However, I will need to disable it every time I add a new VPN. Moreover, I can't find how to disable Media Sharing by this way.

If this can be more easily done in Windows XP or 7, please let me know.

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