Default Security Settings in Windows XP Prevent Remote Administration

Windows XP introduces many new security features which are designed to prevent unauthorised access, or to make it harder to infiltrate a system. However, these settings also make it harder for legitimate access to a Windows XP machine for administration or file sharing. These settings can be disabled as follows:

1. Log in as a user with local administrative rights.

2. Click Start, choose Run, type SECPOL.MSC and choose OK.

   The Local Security Settings applet opens.

3. In the left pane, click Local Policies.

4. In the right pane, double-click Security Options.

5. Change the following settings:

   Network access — Sharing and security model for local accounts: Classic — local users authenticate as themselves.

   Other settings which are stronger in Windows XP and which may be inconvenient are:

   Accounts: Limit local account use of blank passwords to console use only: Disabled.

   Devices: Restrict CD-ROM access to locally logged-on user only: Disabled

   Devices: Restrict floppy access to locally logged-on user only: Disabled

6. Close the Local Security Settings applet.

References

• A very detailed article by Microsoft on various security settings: Incompatibilities that may occur when you modify security settings and user rights.