NTFS permissions to list folders but not files

Question

We are running Windows Server 2012 as a file server. How can I allow traversing of folders but not listing of any files within the folders?

I have attempted to restrict a group (FolderTravers) to have only "list folder / read data" under Advanced Permissions and only applying it to this folder and subfolders, but this still allows the listing of files that are also contained within the folders. They are unable to open – but they are still listed.

Solution

Look at the GPO setting "Bypass Traverse Checking". it allows you to navigate the path to a item you have permission to access, even if you don't have permission to each of the folders on the path.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn221950%28v=ws.10%29.aspx

Comments

[Ramhound]

You can't. If a user has read permission on a folder they can view the contents of the folder. Its simply that simple This is true on Unix and Linux systems as well.