File and print sharing

[wndy22]

I am testing a patch deployment software that needs to have File and Print Sharing enabled for scanning and deployment. We do not, however, want our users to be able to make shares. Is it possible to enable file and print sharing, while disabling the user's ability to create shares?

[scuzzman]

Depends on the OS(es) involved, and the DHCP Server(s)/Domain controller(s)/Server(s).

What is your network topology like?

[wndy22]

The workstations are Windows 2000/XP Pro. There are multiple domains, but they are not connected in any way. Active Directory is not implemented. The domain controllers are NT right now, but will be upgraded to 2003 eventually. Some of the workstations have static IPs, and the rest are DHCP.

[expertec]

Think this belongs in the network board. :)

[homecomputeraid]

I'm not sure the act of turning on file and print sharing automatically allows other users to create shares on the PC. If you enable file and printer sharing on a 2000 or XP box, you still have to share resources. I'm not sure, but in XP, there may be a default share that's enabled when you turn on file and printer sharing. You can turn it on on one of the XP machines, browse to that machine over the network, and see whether you're able to see any shared folders or resources. If you see any, go to the PC on which you turned file and printer sharing and unshare the resource.