Why do two installations of XP Pro look so different...

[SeethaSharma]

I got two new computers, both with XP Pro (SP2) installed. However, they look completely different. For example, on one, when I create a new user, I can choose from 3 user types -- Administrator, Power User and Restricted User. On the other, I don't have the choice for Power User, only Admin and Limited User.

Another difference is that on one, even when I log in as Admin, when I right click on a folder and choose properties, there is no Security tab. I can't change user permissions to any folder. On the other machine, I can...

I am sure there is an explanation, but it is not apparent to me...I would appreciate any ideas at all.

 

[wolluf]

are they really both Pro? (eg, one's not XP Home?)

Is the filestore ntfs on both? (you can't set permissions on Fat32 filestore.....)

On the one without poweruser, open a command prompt and run net localgroup (will show you list of groups actually on the machine). XP user details control panel icon access can mask some of available options (and just show administrator and limited user).

 

[linney]

If the Security tab is not available and you cannot configure permissions for users and groups:
The file or folder that you want to apply permissions to is not on an NTFS file system drive. You can set permissions only on drives that are formatted to use the NTFS file system.
Simple file sharing is enabled. By default, simplified sharing is enabled in Windows XP unless you are on a domain. To work around this behavior, disable Simplified Sharing."

See Folder Options /View.

HOW TO: Set, View, Change, or Remove File and Folder Permissions in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308418

See if any of these are useful.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/howto/security/accesscontrol.asp

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/itpro/managing/filesharing.asp

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/howto/default.asp

307881 - HOW TO: Convert a FAT16 or FAT32 Volume to NTFS in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307881&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

http://www.theeldergeek.com/group_policy_for_windows_xp_prof.htm

help and support = File and Folder permissions

 

[SeethaSharma]

Thank you to both Wolluf and Linney for your posts. I will check the links posted later today. I never thought of the possibility that one computer may have been NTFS the other FAT32 -- I will check that too later. Thanks once again.

 

[SeethaSharma]

Thank you! I turned off Simple File Sharing and got the Security tab. Also I ran localgroup and found Power Users listed. But, still I can only see administrators and limited user in control panel. I will check and see if I can get rid of whatever filters are causing this. Both installations are NTFS.

 

[wolluf]

run lusrmgr.msc or control userpasswords2 (advanced tab) to get access to full set of users/groups in XP.

 

[SeethaSharma]

Thank you! I called Dell and they had no idea...you have been extremely helpful.