Stop users mapping network drives

Stop users mapping network drives

There is a Windows 2000 policy that administrators can implement that will prevent users from mapping network drives to unauthorized files/folders share or even prevent them from disconnecting a mapped networked drive. Here's the registry change you need:

Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\ CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
Create a valuename: NoNetDrives
Data Type: REG_DWORD with a Value of 1

     0 - Display Drives
     1 - Remove Drives

If you would like to apply this for multiple workstations on a network you can modify the winnt.adm file and apply a system policy. Here's how this can be done:

Create a backup copy of the winnt.adm file. Using a text editor such as notepad to open the winnt.adm file, and type the following:

CLASS USER
CATEGORY "Hide Network Drives"
 POLICY "Remove Map Drives Option"
  KEYNAME "Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer"
  PART "Network Drives"
  EDITTEXT
  VALUENAME "NoNetDrives"
  VALUEON "1"
 END POLICY
END CATEGORY

Save the file and reboot.

Making any changes to the winnt.adm file will affect your current system policy. If you need further explanation on the use of winnt.adm and the variables used visit this link before making any modifications.

Adesh Rampat has 10 years experience with network and IT administration. He is a member

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of the Association Of Internet Professionals, the Institute For Network Professionals, and the International Webmasters Association. He has also lectured extensively on a variety of topics.


This was first published in January 2003

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