In a Windows XP workgroup environment there might be a need to password protect or restrict access to specific folders. Here is a tip on how to achieve this.
In many SME organisations the network is usually of a workgroup setup without any domain setup. In such cases, generally most of the folders are “shared” to enable other users to access the folder contents. However, the problem with sharing folders is that once shared, it becomes available to all members of the workgroup.
At many times, the need arises to selectively share folders – where access is given only to some of the users while still restricting access to such folders from other users.
There are some commercial tools like Lock&Hide, Folder Lock, etc.
However, there is also another way of achieving this.
1) Log into the PC that is having a the folder that you wish to protect as an Administrator
2) Click Start -> Control Panel -> User Accounts, then click on Guest Account and make sure it is turned on.
3) Now Click Start -> Run, type cmd in the entry box, and click Ok.
4) At the command prompt, type Net user guest password and press Enter
5) Again, Click Start -> Control Panel -> User Accounts, then click on Guest Account
6) Notice that you can now set a password on the Guest Account. Set a Password and restart your Computer
Now, when a person tires to access your shared folder, they will be prompted for a username and password to continue. Use the username “Guest” and “password” you have set to access the password protected shared folders from your network.
To share a folder under hidden name, add $ to the name, i.e Myhiddenfolder$. User can only have access to this folder by typing : \\servername_orIP\Myhiddenfolder$.
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