lsimmons85
asked on
How to set user passwords on a shared folder?
I have a folder on my windows 2000 server, it is only being shared to 4 people, but i want these people to have to enter a password each time they open that folder.... that way someone else can't get on there computer and access the folder.
It is setup to where only those four computers can access the folder but i can't find anything about setting passwords for each of the users, does anyone know where that would be?? I tried making another group and putting them under there but again i could not set passords for each individual user...
It is setup to where only those four computers can access the folder but i can't find anything about setting passwords for each of the users, does anyone know where that would be?? I tried making another group and putting them under there but again i could not set passords for each individual user...
Windows doesn't have a native system of password-protecting shares in the way you want. Each client receives a security access token when they authenticate to a machine and that is what they use when accessing its resources. If it doesn't have rights to a resource, it simply says Access Denied.
Alternatively, you can share the folder with rights assigned to ANOTHER user and create a batch file that calls the NET USE command like this:
NET USE X: \\Server\SpecialShare /USER:domain\SpecialUser
This causes a command prompt to launch and ask the user for SpecialUser's password. From then on they have rights to the X: drive until they log out.
Then you can create a shortcut to the Batch file, change its icon to a folder and place on applicable users desktop.
For an even better user experience, after the NET USE command, check the errorlevel, if successful, launch an explorer window to show the X: drive!
Alternatively, you can share the folder with rights assigned to ANOTHER user and create a batch file that calls the NET USE command like this:
NET USE X: \\Server\SpecialShare /USER:domain\SpecialUser
This causes a command prompt to launch and ask the user for SpecialUser's password. From then on they have rights to the X: drive until they log out.
Then you can create a shortcut to the Batch file, change its icon to a folder and place on applicable users desktop.
For an even better user experience, after the NET USE command, check the errorlevel, if successful, launch an explorer window to show the X: drive!
For additional security, modify the batch file so that it pauses after it successfully maps the drive letter, then waits for you to "Press any key to continue". Then call NET USE X: /DELETE to remove the mapping. Now after they finish with that share, it will be disconnected!
EXAMPLE:
NET USE X: \\Server\SpecialShare /USER:domain\SpecialUser
@ECHO When Finished, Press a key to disconnect this folder
PAUSE
NET USE X: /DELETE
EXAMPLE:
NET USE X: \\Server\SpecialShare /USER:domain\SpecialUser
@ECHO When Finished, Press a key to disconnect this folder
PAUSE
NET USE X: /DELETE
SOLUTION
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If the users are connecting from an XP machine, they can map the shared folder to a drive by opening a My Computer window, clicking tools, Map Network Drive. There's an option to connect using a different user name, so the user could input a different username/password combo to access that folder. Again though, the folder would stay mapped until the user unmapped it.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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AxCrypt - An excellent free encryption utility that enables users to encrypt all files within a folder and not allow those files to be viewed unless a passphrase (password) is known. (http://axcrypt.axantum.com/)
WinCry - A freeware utility that enables your files to be encrypted, secure deletion, as well as other helpful methods of protecting your files.
(http://www.wincry.com/)
Folder Guard - A commercial version of a password protection software that enables you to password protect files, folders, and other Windows resources.
(http://www.winability.com/folderguard/)
(links and descriptions taken from article which can be found here: http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000705.htm)
This may not be what you're looking for, but I hope it helps!