Turning off Guest Access

Previous versions of the Microsoft Windows operating software have special user accounts including a Guest account. The Guest account (when enabled) can allow unknown internet users the privilege of viewing certain folders on your PC. In some cases this could allow someone to remove data or introduce viruses to a PC.

Microsoft Windows 2000/XP normally have the Guest access disabled by default, but it is strongly advisable to check this as follows in case it has been accidentally enabled. Windows Vista/7 also have the guest account disabled by default.

Microsoft Windows Vista/7

1. Click the Start button and type user accounts in the Instant Search field.
2. Click Manage User Accounts. If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
3. Click the Advanced tab, click Advanced, and then click Users.
4. Double-click Guest.In the Guest Properties dialog box, select the Account is disabled check box.
5. Click OK.

Microsoft XP Home

1. Click on Start and select Control Panel
2. Click on User Accounts
3. If necessary click on User Accounts again to open the control panel
4. Look under the section or pick an account to change and check that the Guest account is off
5. If the the Guest account is on, click on the icon for the Guest account and then click on Turn off the guest account

Microsoft Windows XP Professional

1. Click on Start and select Control Panels
2. Click on User Accounts
3. If necessary click on User Accounts again to open the control panel
4. Click on the Advanced tab
5. Click on [Advanced] in the User Management section
6. Highlight Users on the left
7. Double click on Guest on the right hand side
8. Make sure there is a tick next to Account is disabled
9. Click [OK]

Microsoft Windows 2000

1. Click on Start and select Control Panels
2. Double click on Administrative Tools
3. Double click on Computer Management
4. Click on the [+] next to Local Users and Groups on the left
5. Highlight Users on the left
6. Double click on Guest on the right hand side
7. Make sure there is a tick next to Account is disabled
8. Click [OK]