Ntfs & Fat32?

matty_c608

I have just formatted my External Drive to NTFS from FAT32.

I know that NTFS provides disc security. But, I do not know if this is on by default?

Lets say I use this Hard Disk to save files on under username 'Family' then go to another machine with username 'Thomas' will I be able to access the files with unrestrictive rights on Thomas' PC?

I hope my question makes sense?

Thanks to be left accordingly

Matt.

Zeitgeist

Yes, you can, if the other computer is running Windows 2000 or newer. The Windows 9x family of operating system can't natively see a NTFS partition.

winny_2

You could also apply NTFS permission to the folder, but by default the files will be readable on other XP machines.

You can right click the folder and choose the security for each user, eg. family (modify), and amend or remove the the other accounts accordingly.

Make sure in windows explorer you go to Tools - Folder Options - View tab. Towards the bottom of the list is Simple File Sharing. Unless you uncheck it you won't get to see the extra Security tab when you right click the folder.

magyar

Yes. Basically, an "Administrator" account can always see the full contents of any local hard drive connected to a PC.

Blacksheep1979

If you're worried about security - have a look at truecrypt. You can encrypt the hard drive an deven carry on it a small program to decrypt it.

matty_c608

Thanks for responses all.
I'm thinking actually, setting it for my username only would be a good security precaution to take?

Can I unlock it though if I need to go to a friends quickly and easily?

@Blacksheep:

You mention that truecrypt. I assume that a program can only offer protection if it's running, and will autorun when the drive runs? If the program is terminated, does the contents become suddenly available? I ask this, as I do not believe a small program can encrypt/decrypt the entire contents of a drive on the fly, without a loss of performance, and possible loss of data? Enlighten me

Thanks all - 'THE' button has been clicked appropriately

GreenNotM

matty_c608 wrote:

Thanks for responses all.
I'm thinking actually, setting it for my username only would be a good security precaution to take?

Can I unlock it though if I need to go to a friends quickly and easily?

You would need to "Take Ownership" of the files/folders with simple file sharing off in XP Pro .... details here from the horse's mouth .... http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308421

matty_c608

Thanks GreenNotM - how long does it take to apply the ownership, as I cannot try at the moment!?

albertross_2

a minute or so, depends on how many files there are.

matty_c608

I'm talking hundreds of GB's hehe... Thanks anyway..

albertross_2

it's the number of files, rather than the size of each one, so if they are all DVD's it wouldn't take long.