Windows – Block access to C Drive Windows XP and 2003 server

windowswindows-server-2003windows-xp

I have tried everything to prevent users from accessing the C: on the network through group policy but they always find a way around it (students).

They cant right click to create shortcuts but they have the shortcuts on USB and are able to run the shortcuts to access the c:.

There isnt a specific group policy that prevents access to the C drive.
Any thoughts?

Using windows xp clients with 2003 server for AD and GPolicy

Best Answer

We do this all the time with our terminal servers, just in case someone somehow manages to figure out how to open a traditional browse dialogue, Windows simply pops up a message saying that the current policy is denying them access.

In your Group Policy, find the following:

  • User Configuration
  • Administrative Template
  • Windows Components
  • Windows Explorer
    • "Hide these specified drives in My Computer"
    • "Prevent access to drives from My Computer"

It's been a while since I did it but I'm fairly sure these are the settings you will require. There are ways to override the default options provided, so that you can modify the drives past the fairly restrictive options provided if you need them.

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