How to hide the computer drives in Windows XP

Because of some causes, we may need to hide the partitions/ drives of our computer.Here are two alternatives that can be done to hide or remove the drive from our windows display without going through the registry editor and without using additional software.

The first way is to use diskpart command, and the latter by using gpedit (group policy editor), which must be both easy to do

The first way is by using the diskpart command.

I . Click Start -> Run -> type cmd -> click OK

II. Type diskpart -> press enter

III. Type list volume -> press enter (to see the list of drives in the computer)

Specify which Drive will be hidden, for example here we will hide drives D.

IV. Type select volume 3 -> press Enter

V . Type remove letter D -> press Enter

VI. Type exit to quit diskpart.

(To see the results check on 'My Computer', in some cases the computer must be restarted first).

To Restore or show the hidden drive back, do the same from step 1 to 4

In step 5 orders changed to:

Type assign letter D

The second way is by using the command gpedit (group policy editor)

I. Click Start -> Run -> type gpedit.msc -> click OK

II. Double-click User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Windows Explorer -> then select the Hide these specified drives in my computer in the right window.

III. In the Hide specified drives in My Computer Window: select enable, then specify the drive that will be hidden (restrict)

For example here that will be hidden is drive D, then select restrict D drive only, then click Apply -> OK

Check in My Computer to see the results.

To show again, do the same sequence of steps, then the Hide specified drives in My Computer windows, select Not Configured option -> click Apply -> OK

Happy Testing....