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?

Solution

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'.

Comments

[Austin T French]

I think this would be a better question on Server.

[jww]

Also see How can an unauthenticated user access a windows share? on Server Fault.

[MikeC]

You have not read my opening post properly! It clearly states that I have set both share and NTFS permissions.

[majinnaibu]

Is there a way to disable password protected sharing for just one share. So if the user gets a password prompt and cancels out they can still access the share?

[Jonathan Mee]

It's official, this doesn't work.