How do I manage multiple computers from a central computer?

[Arcadio]

I have a network of 6 computers. They are all running XP Pro and logged on with a limited account. One of those computers is the administrator computer. I use that one. I need to be able to access all the files on the other computers, and to make any modifications I need. All computers have an administrator account and a password, which I have. I already set up the network and set the C: drive as shared. However, I cannot access the Program Files folder of any computer, or the Windows Folder. Of course, I want to prevent any other user from modifying the system.

I also want to be able to access the registry of all computers.

Thanks in advance. Just to restate: I HAVE the administrator password of ALL computers involved.

 

[Nothinman]

All of the drives are shared by default with hidden shares that only an admin user can get to, i.e. \\clientname\c$. You should be able to get into anything from there, if not then something else is wrong. Of course you won't be able to change files that are locked on the client.

Regedit can open the registry of a remote machine.

 

[RebateMonger]

As long as the account that YOU are using on each PC is an "Administrator" account (for that PC), then you should have full rights for that computer. But you'd have to be sure the required folders are set up for sharing to access them across a network.

 

[TheKub]

You may also have to disable "simple file sharing". I believe even Pro has it enabled by default when not on a domain.

If the admin account and password is the same on all PCs you should then be able to access the C drive using the C$ share. Also in regedit you can open remote registries though there is a remote registry service that needs to be started (on by default I believe but that may just be on a domain).

 

[imported_snikt]

The Microsoft Management Console comes in pretty handy as well.