Overview
This article provides the details on how to enable Administrative Shares (e.g. C$) on Microsoft Windows Operating Systems.
Process
On Windows Vista and 7
By default, Windows Vista and newer versions of Windows prevent local accounts from accessing administrative shares through the network if not joined to a domain.
To allow access to them:
- Click on Start Menu and on the Search box type the following command and press Enter:
regedit
- Set the following key:
- Hive:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE - Key:
Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System - Name:
LocalAccountTokenFilterPolicy - Data Type:
REG_DWORD - Value:
1
- Hive:
- Reboot the system.
On Windows XP
By default, the administrative shares are enabled on Windows XP. But default File and Printer sharing settings might make them inaccessible when the system is not joined to a domain.
To allow access to them:
- Open Explorer and select 'Tools' > 'Folder Options'.
- Select the View tab and scroll all the way down to the bottom of Advanced Settings.
- Make sure that "Use simple file sharing (Recommended)" is not selected.
Notes
- This should work instantly without the need for reboot.
- Windows XP Home editions do not support this option, so administrative shares cannot be used.