Can't see C:\ drive on networked computer

[Earwax]

I'm using a dell computer on a small network. I'm logged in as an administrator and the C:\ format is NTFS. For some reason, when I go to explorer, the C:\ drive does not appear under "My Computer" I can access the C:\ drive through a folder shortcut that is on the desktop. Does anyone know why the C:\ drive doesn't show up under My Computer and how I can fix this?

Also for some reason I can't change the background image. When I go to display properties the background tab is not there.

Thanks in advance

 

[kurt454]

Tweakui should fix the explorer problem. Haven't got a clue about the missing Background tab. Sounds like your registry is hosed.

 

[PrincessGuard]

There is an option in the Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) under User Config->Admin Templates->Control Panel->Display.

 

[SSVegeta]

almost sounds like a rights issue too...

 

[digitalman]

i know this may be a stupid question, but is the c:\ drive shared? if not you could try this:

from the run command: \\computer_name\c$

c$ is a special administrative share. you must enter a domain admin user name to access it. but this will give you access to any c:\ drive on the network regardless of if it has been shared. The reality is the C drive has a hidden share that, by default, can be accessed by any domain admin.

 

[Earwax]

I talked to one of the administrators and he told me that they are in the process of updating the network. The network I'm referring to is in a small computer lounge that kids frequently use. He told me that the C:\ drive is hidden so that kids don't mess around with it and that soon a shared folder will be replacing it and will appear as C:\, but in reality will be some separate allocation on the network.

I'm not sure how all this works, when it comes to networking I'm really out of my element. It's easy enough to launch explorer and type C:\ into the address, so I don't see how this type of "hiding" can be so beneficial.

 

[digitalman]

the benifit of doing this for the admins is by not letting standard users have access to the c:\ drive is it great reduces that people can't mess around with files that are needed for the OS or apps. it also prevents people from being able to install apps or viruses. basically if this computer is being used in an educational type institution the only need someone would have for a drive is for the ability to save files.