Local Folder Protection

  • Thread starter Thread starter Paul
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Paul

I use a shared computer running XP Pro. If I create a
local drive can I password protect it so other users
cannot access it?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!
 
Yes, as long as you are using an NTFS partition, you
should be able to designate which users can access that
drive under the security tab of the drive properties
window. Just right click the folder/drive you need to
protect, click on the security tab, and click on the Deny
box next to any permissions you don't want that particular
user to have. However, make sure you add yourself to the
user list and give yourself full access before making any
other changes, or you won't be able to access it, either!
 
To do this, you must be running NTFS as your file system on the drive in
question. If your hard disk/partition is not NTFS you will need to convert
it. To do this, open a Command Prompt window and enter the following
command:

CONVERT X: /FS:NTFS

Where X: is the drive letter you wish to convert. You may also want to see
http://www.aumha.org/a/ntfscvt.htm to ensure that you're getting the optimal
conversion.

After this step is completed and you've rebooted the computer, if necessary:

XP PRO: In Windows Explorer, go to Tools, Folder Options, View and uncheck
Use Simple File Sharing. Now, when you right click on a drive, folder or
file (on an NTFS partition) and select Properties, you'll see a Security
tab. Here you can assign or deny permissions based on user name or user
group membership.

XP Home: By default, you can only make files and folders under My Documents
"private". This is done by right clicking a folder or file and selecting
Properties, Sharing. To change the permissions on other folders, you need
to boot the computer to Safe Mode and log in on the built in Administrator
account. In this mode, you'll see the Security tab in Properties, and you
can assign permissions based on user name or group membership.

How Do I Get the Security Tab in Properties - XP Home (makes the Security
tab appear outside of Safe Mode)
http://www.dougknox.com, Win XP Tips section

HOW TO: Set, View, Change, or Remove File and Folder Permissions in Windows
XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308418

HOW TO: Set, View, Change, or Remove Special Permissions for Files and
Folders
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;308419

HOW TO: Disable Simplified Sharing and Password-Protect a Shared Folder in
Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;307874
 
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