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Can I hide a windows share folder and still be able to access it using the path
I want to be able to hide a shared folder such that people cannot see it and can only access it using the full path.
\\servername\log should be accessible but when I do \\servername\ the log folder should not be visible
Is this possible?
\\servername\log should be accessible but when I do \\servername\ the log folder should not be visible
Is this possible?
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You can also remove share permissions to all users and assign only to yourself.
Yes, they will see share but they will not going to be able access it.
If not, use my advise in first post.
Yes, they will see share but they will not going to be able access it.
If not, use my advise in first post.
Since you do not want to restrict access, just visibility, making the folder hidden should be sufficient. However, that is only a "soft restriction", as the client can decide at any time to display hidden folders in Explorer or by running e,g. dir /A:h. It is good for keeping the list of visible folders shorter, but does not enforce anything.
To make a shared folder or drive hidden, simply add a dollar sign ($) to the end of the Share Name.
In Windows, right-click on the folder or drive for which you want to create a hidden share and select Sharing and Security.
The Folder Properties window will appear.
In Windows Vista, right-click on the folder or drive for which you want to create a hidden share and select Properties. Then, on the Folder Properties window, click the Sharing tab and click the Advanced Sharing button.
If User Account Control is active, enter an administrator's password if required, and click the Continue button. The Advanced Sharing window will then appear.
Select the Share This Folder or Share This Folder on the Network radio button or checkbox.
Tip: If the folder or drive is already been shared, but you want to change it to a hidden share, you must first disable sharing (deselect the Share This Folder option and click OK), and then come right back to enable sharing using these steps.
Enter a name for the share, followed by a dollar sign, into the Share Name text box, as the figure illustrates.
Share Name Text Box
Share Name Text Box
(Click for larger image)
If you're using Simple File Sharing in Windows XP, check or uncheck the Allow Network User to Change My Files option. Otherwise, when using advanced sharing in XP or Vista, specify the remaining settings: Comments, User Limit, Permissions and Caching.
Click the OK button.