Restrict folder access

[Guest]

I am using Windows XP.
How do you restrict or deny access to folders for a user?
How do you deny access to the control panel as well?

Thanks,

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

You restrict access by assigning permissions to drives, folders and files.

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 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


To restrict access to Control Panel and other system tools, see www.dougknox.com, Win XP Utilities, Windows XP Security Console. This restriction and many more can be put in place on a per-user basis.

 

[Guest]

Doug...Wow, thanks. I'll try tomorrow and let you know if successful. Of
course I had been searching for info and after being frustrated and deciding
to finally do a post, of course it was at the same time you were providing
this info. your info probably answers my post "XP Home User Restrictions"

Thanks

 

[Guest]

Thanks Doug!!
I will give this a try.

The local library wants to use one computer to look for available books.
They want to lock out everything for the user with the exception of one
website. That website will be their card catalog.

I forgot to include that in my original post. I am slapping myself silly
for not including this "little" tidbit.
Any help on this would also be much appreciated.

Meanwhile, I will work on the info you've already sent.
Thank you very much!!

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

You're welcome