Admin$ and IPC$ Shares Missing at Domain Controller Startup (246752)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Terminal Server Edition
This article was previously published under Q246752

SYMPTOMS

When you start a domain controller that is running Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition, the admin$ and C$ shares may be lost. You may not be able to recreate these shares in Windows NT Explorer, and you may receive the following error message:
The share names admin$ and IPC$ are reserved and may not be used.

CAUSE

The cause is unknown.

RESOLUTION

To work around this issue, follow these steps:

  1. At the command prompt, use the net share command to recreate the administrative shares. For example, type the following command to recreate the admin$ share:

    net share admin$

  2. Configure the system policy of the domain controller to automatically create the hidden C$ and admin$ shares when you start the computer:
    1. Start System Policy Editor.
    2. Open the policy file for the system.
    3. Double-click the Default Computer value.
    4. Expand the Windows NT Network folder.
    5. Expand the Sharing folder.
    6. Click to select the Create hidden drive shares (server) check box, and then click OK.
    7. Save the policy file, and then quit System Policy Editor.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:7/13/2004
Keywords:kbprb KB246752
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.