Windows – Password Protect Specific Shared Folder in Windows XP

Open Notepad and type the below statements in a file and save it as batch script(.bat). Replace all passwords and usernames for individual shares as needed ( Yes password comes before username :) )

NET USE "\\<computername1>\<sharename1>" <password> /u:<username>  
NET USE "\\<computername2>\<sharename2>" <password> /u:<username>  
..
NET USE "\\<computernameN>\<sharenameN>" <password> /u:<username> 

Then try accessing the shares with the shortcuts created. If you face any errors regarding Multiple Sessions run "NET USE * /DELETE" before executing the batch file. The shortcuts should work now. Sometimes the actual folders might not be visible if the ABE(Access Based Enumeration) is enabled and read permissions for that share are denied though this might not be the reason in your case .

You've not stated if any network resources are available to Windows 8, but my guess it this issues has something to do with the network setup (Private vs Public). Here is an article which may help you resolve this issue.

Highlights from the article...

If you need access to some files on a remote computer, you only have to enable file sharing. This isn’t as easy as it should be.

If you play a little with these settings, you will notice that Windows 8 will “lie” to you sometimes when you establish a networking connection. The “Yes, turn on sharing and connect to devices” is only true if “Turn on file and printer sharing” is enabled in the Private network settings and “No, don’t turn on sharing or connect to devices” is only correct if “Turn off file and printer sharing” is enabled in the Guest or Public network settings.

If the network is set to Public and sharing isn't turned on, resources may not be available to network PCs. You will need to change the network to Private.