How can I create a Windows shared folder which requires absolutely no authentication to write data?

Question

I want to create a folder on a domain joined Windows server (NTFS), which any user can generate logs files to. When I say any user, this may include built in Windows user accounts, and from any OS environment such as WinPE.

I have created a folder on the server (2k8 R2 SP1), set the share and NTFS permissions to allow full control for anonymous logon, everyone, authentication users, users, domain computer, domain users, but still I am prompted for credentials when attempting to create log files in the folder!

Hence my question - How can I create a truly open access shared folder for logging?

Answer 1

Even if you have the proper permissions you must disable 'Password protected sharing' to allow 'Everyone' (Guest) access to the shares.

The quickest way to do is to right click any folder, choose 'Sharing', then 'Network and Sharing Center', then 'All networks' and finally 'Turn off password protected sharing'.

Answer 2

Have you edited the Share permissions? When accessing a shared folder, both Share and NTFS permissions are applied. You changed NTFS permissions but the Share permissions may still not allow anonymous write access.

1. Open the properties of the folder,
2. Click Share tab,
3. Click Advanced sharing, and
4. Click Permissions.
5. Select Everybody in the list Group or user names, and
6. Select Full Control check box in Allow column.
7. Click OK three times to close the dialogs.