Protecting Files On Windows XP

[lowlow42]

Hey guys, I just got a new computer and have 2 hard drives. I have an administrator acount, and a guest account. How do I make it where the guest account cannot access the 2nd hard drive. Being the fact I have files I do not want them to access.

The guest account can access the 2nd hard drive through the My Computer button on the Start Menu. They can also access my main hard drive, too.

So all in all, how do I make the guest accounts not access either of my hard drives?

[redwudz]

Assuming we are talking about XP. Well, the simplist is to turn the guest account off. If you have other people using your computer under guest accounts, then you need to password protect files you don't want them into. From the XP help file: "Users who log on to the computer using the guest account do not have access to password-protected files, folders, or settings." On the other hand, if a guest cannot access either drive, they can't access the computer at all. You need to use passwords. If you are new to the concept of guest account, that doesn't mean just anyone can access your machine. It's more of a way to keep your personal settings seperate from other users. You can also set up accounts for, say your kids, that have limited access to drives or programs. Study the help files from your computer.

[lowlow42]

See, I know you have to password protect files, but I dont know how. I guess that is what I'm asking.

[stiltman]

right click on any file, folder, harddrive and select "properties" then select the "security" tab

remove the "everyone" entre
remove the "guest" entre if it's there
add "administrators" group

[lowlow42]

Alright, I'll try that in a little bit, Thanks.

But in the meantime I have a quick question. I had originally Windows XP Home installed in my computer's main hard drive. I installed it on another hard drive and removed that to put it in another computer. Now on my main hard drive, (when I power the computer on), it shows 2 Microsoft Window Xp Operating Systems to choose from. How do I remove one of them.

P.S. One of them gives an error when trying to boot up anyways...

[lowlow42]

I tried right-clicking both hard drives, but the "Make this folder private" box is greyed out...

[808smokey]

How do I remove one of them.

P.S. One of them gives an error when trying to boot up anyways...

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;q291980

You may want to start a new thread for this topic

[lowlow42]

Alright thanks, I'm going to try that in about an hour and I'll let you know how that turns out. If it don't work, then I'll start a new thread.

So now the only thing lingering in my mind is about the password protected files.

[lowlow42]

It worked, I corrected the Boot.ini file. Thanks for the link.

Now, my only concern is how do I protect my drives from being accessed by anybody.

[lowlow42]

Better yet, I just want the guest account to be able to access the internet. No programs or anything. If they are included, then so be it, but as long as the hard drives aren't accessed.

I tried deleting the programs from the Guest folder, but nothing is in there. So....

[808smokey]

Better yet, I just want the guest account to be able to access the internet. No programs or anything. If they are included, then so be it, but as long as the hard drives aren't accessed.

I tried deleting the programs from the Guest folder, but nothing is in there. So....

Go to control panel and select user accounts. Then you'll have to right click the folder(s) you don't want shared and select "sharing and security", select sharing tab, then just check the box "make this folder private" or waht ever you want to do.

Make sense??

[lowlow42]

Yeah, I know exactly what you're saying, but the "make this folder private" box is greyed out. I cannot check it.

[808smokey]

Yeah, I know exactly what you're saying, but the "make this folder private" box is greyed out. I cannot check it.

You can't make the root directory (C: ) not accessible. All you can do is the folders on that drive. Make sure you have Full access in your ADMIN account. Or make a new account and check off limited account or whatever it's called. Turn off the guest account too.

[lowlow42]

Okay, I have an Administrator account. You're saying I should turn off the guest account, and make an account without limits? I'm a little confused.

Well basically, if the other user doesn't access my 2nd hard drive, thats fine. Becuase on my 2nd hard drive I have files I dont want to be messed with. I guess I can see where you're coming from with the C: drive though.

[808smokey]

Okay, I have an Administrator account. You're saying I should turn off the guest account, and make an account without limits? I'm a little confused.

No turn off the guest account or leave it on it doesn't matter. You just need an account with the limited access option under your user accounts screen. Then open up Local Security Settings under the Administrative tools from the control panel. Then you can do whatever you want to the limited account.

[lowlow42]

Ohhh.... Ok. Thanks for your help, I'll try that a little later tonight.

[lowlow42]

Sorry, but I cannot find the Local Security Settings file under Administrative Tools. I can find the Administrative Tools under the Control Panel, but I don't see the Local Security Settings.

[808smokey]

Sorry, but I cannot find the Local Security Settings file under Administrative Tools. I can find the Administrative Tools under the Control Panel, but I don't see the Local Security Settings.

Ok, Try Start programs- admin tools. It should be in there. If it's not in the start list then you have to turn it on. Start - settings - taskbar and start- click view then select "Display Admin Tools"

[lowlow42]

Ummm... I had found the "Administrative Tools", but I couldn't find the "Local Security Settings".

[808smokey]

Ummm... I had found the "Administrative Tools", but I couldn't find the "Local Security Settings".

I know, but it's not there so something is not right.

Do you have Windows XP?

If so is it HOME OR PRO version. If it's HOME i Don't think it has all the extra goodies needed for networking and admin setup.

Just make a limited account and "HIDE" the other folders you don't want to them to mess with.

[lowlow42]

Ohhh, damn.... I have Home... I don't think I can "hide" the drives, right?

Well... THAT BLOWS! Thanks for all of your help, anyways.

[mujahid7ia]

Ohhh, damn.... I have Home... I don't think I can "hide" the drives, right?

Well... THAT BLOWS! Thanks for all of your help, anyways.

Damn M$, Made Windows XP (aka Pro), limited and crippled it, and now it's "Home". That sucks.

[lowlow42]

Yeah....