File and Print Sharing Not Available

You like to share your disk or printer, but when attempting to install
it from the Network-applet, the button "File and Print Sharing" is missing:

Lets try to install it using the button "Add":

"File and printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks" can be selected from
the list of "Network Service", however when clicking on "OK" you get:

This gives us at least a hint: "Policies"

Using POLEDIT (Installation of POLEDIT), we check the Registry:

and look (= double-click) "Local Computer":


We found already the de-activation, it could have also be defined
as part of "Local User":


Taking off the Checkmark allows you again to activate "File and Printer Sharing".


However: You take the Checkmark off, but after the next reboot, the
checkmarks are again set.

Are you connecting to a Windows NT Domain server ?
Check in the Network Neighborhood for your server the share NETLOGON:

If there is any file-type "pol" (like: CONFIG.POL"), then your network administrator is imposing
a System Policy on you, please contact your network administrator to discuss the issue.

About Johannes Helmig

Dr.Johannes Helmig is working as Director, Technical Knowledge Management in the Belgium office of Gerber Technology where he is involved in Customer Service and internal training, with special interest in Networking.

Click here for Johannes Helmig's section.

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