Limit the number of users of a shared resource

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

To limit the number of users of a shared resource

Open Computer Management.
In the console tree, click Shares.

Where?
- Computer Management/System Tools/Shared Folders/Shares
In the details pane, right-click the shared folder or drive that you want to limit the number of users for, and then click Properties.
Under User limit, click Maximum allowed, and then click OK, or click Allow this number of users.

If you click Allow this number of users, type or click a maximum number of users, and then click OK.

Note

To open Computer Management, click Start, click Control Panel, double-click Administrative Tools, and then double-click Computer Management.

Open Windows Explorer.
Right-click the shared folder or drive that you want to limit the number of users for, and then click Sharing and Security.
Under User limit, click Maximum allowed, and then click OK, or click Allow this number of users.

If you click Allow this number of users, type or click a maximum number of users, and then click OK.

Note

To open Windows Explorer, click Start, point to All programs, point to Accessories, and then click Windows Explorer.

Value	Description
net share	Creates, deletes, or displays shared resources.
sharename	The network name of the shared resource and its absolute path.
/users: number	Sets the maximum number of users who can simultaneously access the shared resource.

Notes

To open a command prompt, click Start, point to All programs, point to Accessories, and then click Command prompt.
To view the complete syntax for this command, at the command prompt, type:

net help share

Notes

You must be logged on as a member of the Administrators group, Server Operators group, or Power Users group to complete this procedure. If your computer is connected to a network, network policy settings might also prevent you from completing this procedure.
You can use Shared Folders to manage shared resources on both local and remote computers. For information about how to connect to another computer, see Related Topics. With Windows Explorer and the command line, you can manage shared resources on your local computer only.
The maximum number of users allowed is limited by software licensing limits. Software licensing limits preempt any limits that can be set in Shared Folders.
File sharing options may be limited if simple file sharing is enabled. For more information about simple file sharing, see article Q304040, "Description of File Sharing and Permissions in Windows XP," in the Microsoft Knowledge Base.

Your server might function differently based on the version and edition of the operating system that is installed, your account permissions, and your menu settings. For more information, see Viewing Help on the Web.