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Restrict anonymous access to network computers

When users browse the network for resources, they typically see all of the computers in their

workgroup or domain, as well as other resources, such as printers. In many situations, allowing

users to browse the network is desirable, or at least acceptable.



When users browse the network, computers still appear even if those computers don't share any

disks or printers. In almost all situations, simplifying the network interface can improve network

usability, so removing these systems from the browse list can be useful.



You can add a setting to the registry on Windows 2000 computers that not only hides the computers

from the browse list, but also prevents anonymous access to those systems. Add the DWORD setting

RestrictAnonymous to the following registry key and set it to a value of 2:



HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\LSA



Before you change this setting, however, research the effects in more detail--particularly if your

network includes older Windows clients. Also, restricting anonymous access can adversely affect

some Windows 2000 services and third-party applications. For a more detailed discussion, see

article 246261 on Microsoft's Product Support Services Web site.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;246261



Note: Before making any registry edit, be sure to first back up the registry so that you can restore

it if something goes wrong.

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