Hiding folders in windows 2003

Its funny you should post this since I posted virtually the exact same question a few hours ago.

Thus far I think you have to share every folder and then only allow the groups you want to see folder A into both the folder security and share permissions. I ahven't been able to test this yet, but I'll post my results in the other question entitled "Windows Server 2003 Q?".

In short, "No, not in the manner you describe". The only way is to use a combination of shares. You'd need a share for the the Parent folder, a share for folderA, and a share for folderB. Give Group A the desired share permissions to \\server\folderA, but no permission to the other groups. Likewise, Group B should be given access to \\server\folderB, with no access to the other groups. Any users who need to access both folders should be given access to the parent folder \\server\parent. I recommend using full control share permissions on the shares for the groups that need access at the various levels. Then set your NTFS permission normally to control the access.

In this manner, you are simply using the various share to create an entry-point for the users as you desire, to "hide" the rest of the folder structure. It should be noted that the share permissions only apply when the folder is accessed through that share. For example users with access to \\server\parent are not restricted by the share permissions set on \\server\folderA or \\server\folderB, unless they access through those shares.

Hope this helps.

I would assert that while I haven't solved your problem, I have provided an accurate answer to your question of "Can windows 2003 'hide' folder B from user A1". That answer is no.

See this Microsoft KB article: http://tinyurl.com/3dazb

Sorry for the bad news.