Is there a way to prevent access to hard drives through firefox after you have hidden them. i went through "regedit" from the "run" command and also used "1st Security Agent" program to hide my hard drives, i have got it to the point where you can not access my c: through "IE" and the "Run" command but you can still get to my c: by typing "c:" in the address bar in firefox. is there a way to prevent this?

P.S. is there any other way to access my c: , and if so how do i prevent that also?

Thanks
Larry

Dani AI

Generated

A quick reality check and practical fixes (builds on question and suggestion)

Hiding a drive from Explorer or with a “hide drive” tool is only a user-interface change. Applications that can open file:// URIs (Firefox, other browsers, file managers, command shells, etc.) will still be able to reach the files because the operating system still exposes the file system. Policy or Explorer tweaks only remove icons and menu access; they do not stop programmatic or user-level access.

Effective approaches that actually block access

  • Use NTFS permissions (ACLs). Convert the volume to NTFS if it is FAT, then set folder/drive permissions so only the intended account(s) have Read/Execute access. Best practice: create a separate limited user account for normal use and keep sensitive folders owned by an admin account. Test permission changes on a single folder first instead of C:. Never remove or deny access to SYSTEM or the built-in Administrators account — incorrect ACLs can render the system unstable or lock all accounts out.
  • Use encryption for confidentiality. NTFS ACLs stop casual access, but encryption (EFS on Windows XP Pro or a container/volume solution) ensures files remain unreadable if the disk is accessed by another OS or by copying the files off the machine. Back up encryption keys or recovery information before encrypting.
  • Use least-privilege accounts. Running day-to-day as a non-admin prevents many accidental exposures and makes ACLs meaningful for ordinary processes (browsers, etc.).

Troubleshooting and recovery

  • If a permission change blocks legitimate access, restore from a backup, boot to Safe Mode/Recovery Console, or use a known admin account to reset ownership before fixing ACLs. Make a backup or system restore point before wide permission edits.

Summary: hiding is cosmetic; enforce security with NTFS ACLs and/or encryption and use limited accounts. The advice from points in the right direction — implement it at the file system and account level rather than relying on Explorer-only hiding.

nice new info..

Use policy.
How?
Turn off the easy share in folder->option...
Then change security on those folders(disc), which you don't want to be accessible.

! :!: ! :!: ! You could remove access for the system on hdd "c:". Better way is to "lock" those folder, which you don't want to be accessible for you (Games,work). Or remove access for you to view them.

I could send you screenshots how it should be done, but I have a non-English windows XP (CZ).

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