Stop users creating shared folders

Stop users creating shared folders

Adesh Rampat

In any organization, there maybe a workstation that performs specialized functions on which the network administrator would like to prevent users from creating shared folders. This might be the case, for instance, when the workstation is used for sensitive company information; information that should not be shared outside that particular office. In such a case, if the user cannot create a shared folder, the info will not be shared, unless a user copies it to a floppy or prints it. One way to keep such users from making shared folders is to make a change to a registry key. Once this is done, all users, excluding the network administrator, will be unable to create any shared folders on that workstation.

Here's how:

• Run regedt32
• Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanServer\Shares
• Double-click the Shares sub key
• Click On Security, then select Permissions
• Grant the Administrators Group Full Control Permissions
• Grant all other users Read Only access

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