Don't Bother Deleting C$

  • Section(s): Admin , Security
  • Published on Feb 15, 2006.
  • Last Modified on Feb 15, 2006.
  • Last Modified by Mitch Tulloch.
  • Rated 4 out of 5 based on 5 votes.
Why deleting the C$ share is not a good idea.

Some admins like to delete the C$ share, the automatic hidden share of the system volume. This share is generally needed for remote administration and access is restricted to administators, but since it's potentially an open door into their systems some admins would rather it were closed.

Unfortunately, deleting C$ is one of those security ideas that *sounds* like a great idea but really isn't so great after all. That's because the share will be automatically re-created whenever your server restarts, or when you stop and start the Server service. You can get around this by creating a logon script that will delete the share (see here for info) but consider how deleting this share will affect your ability to remotely administer your servers before you start closing supposed security "holes" like this. Remember, the more secure a system is made, the less managable (and less usable) it becomes. There comes a point in the tradeoff when it just doesn't make sense performing certain lockdown steps because the result is that your server becomes a pain to manage.

About Mitch Tulloch

Mitch Tulloch was lead author for the Windows Vista Resource Kit from Microsoft Press, which is the book for IT pros who want to deploy, maintain and support Windows Vista in mid- and large-sized network environments. Mitch was also the author of Introducing Windows Server 2008 and technical project lead for the Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 Resource Kit, both books also from Microsoft Press. For more information on these and other books by Mitch, see www.mtit.com .

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