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Limit the number of users of a shared resource

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

To limit the number of users of a shared resource

  • Using Shared Folders

  • Using Windows Explorer

  • Using a command line

Using Shared Folders

  1. Open Computer Management.

  2. In the console tree, click Shares.

    Where?

    • Computer Management/System Tools/Shared Folders/Shares
  3. In the details pane, right-click the shared folder or drive that you want to limit the number of users for, and then click Properties.

  4. Under User limit, click Maximum allowed, and then click OK, or click Allow this number of users.

    If you click Allow this number of users, type or click a maximum number of users, and then click OK.

Note

  • To open Computer Management, click Start, click Control Panel, double-click Administrative Tools, and then double-click Computer Management.

Using Windows Explorer

  1. Open Windows Explorer.

  2. Right-click the shared folder or drive that you want to limit the number of users for, and then click Sharing and Security.

  3. Under User limit, click Maximum allowed, and then click OK, or click Allow this number of users.

    If you click Allow this number of users, type or click a maximum number of users, and then click OK.

Note

  • To open Windows Explorer, click Start, point to All programs, point to Accessories, and then click Windows Explorer.

Using a command line

  1. Open Command Prompt.

  2. Type:

    net sharesharename**/users:**number

Value Description

net share

Creates, deletes, or displays shared resources.

sharename

The network name of the shared resource and its absolute path.

/users: number

Sets the maximum number of users who can simultaneously access the shared resource.

Notes

  • To open a command prompt, click Start, point to All programs, point to Accessories, and then click Command prompt.

  • To view the complete syntax for this command, at the command prompt, type:

    net help share

Notes

  • You must be logged on as a member of the Administrators group, Server Operators group, or Power Users group to complete this procedure. If your computer is connected to a network, network policy settings might also prevent you from completing this procedure.

  • You can use Shared Folders to manage shared resources on both local and remote computers. For information about how to connect to another computer, see Related Topics. With Windows Explorer and the command line, you can manage shared resources on your local computer only.

  • The maximum number of users allowed is limited by software licensing limits. Software licensing limits preempt any limits that can be set in Shared Folders.

  • File sharing options may be limited if simple file sharing is enabled. For more information about simple file sharing, see article Q304040, "Description of File Sharing and Permissions in Windows XP," in the Microsoft Knowledge Base.

Information about functional differences

  • Your server might function differently based on the version and edition of the operating system that is installed, your account permissions, and your menu settings. For more information, see Viewing Help on the Web.

See Also

Concepts

Shared Folders overview Microsoft Management Console Connect to another computer

Other Resources

Net share Send a console message to all connected computers Send a console message to a computer that you are managing