Is there a way to stop users from creating printer shares ? They do need the ability to share folders however. They also need admin rights on the PC due to limitations set by third party software (wonderful isn't it !!). I have had a good search of the net but no one seems to have a useful answer. Can anyone help ?

OS: WinXP XP Home? XP Pro? ..due to limitations set by third party software Huh? What software? i_Xp/VistaUser

XpUser: Huh? What software? Far too many, I'm afraid. I can't remember off the top of my head, but I THINK Windows stores the print share information along with the file shares. If that's the case, just deny users the ability to write to the registry key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\lanmanserver\Shares

If there is a printer on all their desks, then tell them..... "Stop sharing your printers. Anyone caught sharing a printer will be fired". Then you can explain why they shouldn't share the printers. Let them know by sharing your printer you open the network up for hacking plus it also slows down everyone's access to files online. If it doesn't work, then fire someone.

Thanks for the help Razor. The reg key does contain the printer shares. However, it also contains shared folders as well. The problem is users create the shares and then switch off the hosting pc. other users then call the servicedesk saying they can't print. More work for my engineers !! The idea is to put a blanket ban on shared printers, even for the engineers. The third party apps are wonderfully written clinical systems like EMIS LV that require the user to have full control of the root of C !!!!! Some things we have no choice but to use :o( Does anyone know a way to only block the printer shares ? Thanks.