Attention that spyware, phishing, e-mails, and corporate hackers can hack us, we mustn't forget that good Windows itself can be the source of a security hole.
1. Everything Looks Peachy
Open Windows Explorer, navigate to the Network folder in the tree, and select your own PC to see all (visible) shared folders.
Open Windows Explorer, navigate to the Network folder in the tree, and select your own PC to see all (visible) shared folders.
2. Expose the Hidden Shares
To see a hidden share, type it into Windows Explorer's address bar, complete with trailing $, and press Enter. Easy—if you know the name.
3. See Everything That Can Be Seen
Use the Computer Management tool (comp mgmt.msc) to see a complete list of all hidden and visible shares on your PC. You can right-click any shared item here and select Stop Sharing to get rid of it, but Windows will share it again when you restart unless you disable the feature altogether.
4. Plug the hole
In the Windows Registry (Start | Run, regedit), navigate toHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\lanmanserver\parameters, and create two new DWORD values, AutoShareServer and AutoShareWks, both set to zero.
5. Reboot and take stock
You'll need to restart Windows for the change to take effect. But this time, the hidden shares have been banished to the land of wind and ghosts!
