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Psexec make sure admin$ are enabled

Tags: Networking, Security, Windows

Hello, I am a new sys admin for a smaller organization (under 150 devices). Recently I have been attempted to figure out the best methods to mass install programs to client devices. I found out about psexec that could silently install programs and executables to computers. I am logged to into my work computer as a domain administrator, and when I attempt to launch a program on test computer I receive the error “Make sure that the default admin$ share is enabled.” I attempted to login into computer using domain administrator credentials. What might be the reasons for this error? So far I have read:
-I have to enable admin shares (if so, would I have to do that for every computer?)
-Firewall blocking 445 traffic

Topic

There’s a lot written about this.

In reply to Psexec make sure admin$ are enabled

For example https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/windows-server/networking/problems-administrative-shares-missing notes a malicious reason.

This article also highlights that the version of Windows Server is very important as well as brings up the issue that such shares could lead to other malicious activity. Notice the mention of the malware there.

Reply To: Psexec make sure admin$ are enabled

In reply to There’s a lot written about this.

Thank you, I will read over the article. I spent the day looking it up and only found myself with more questions, so I figured getting someone’s input would be good. Malicious reasons would be worrisome.

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