access denied

[sherry bolton]

My 12 year old son has his folders "access denied". I
strongly suspect that he has unappropriate material for
his age. How do I check up what's in his folders?

[Patrick Hallihan]

In a business environment I'd consider this a "policy" problem. Sit your 12
year old down at the computer. Tell him to show you what is in the
directory. If he refuses, take the computer away for a week at a time until
he agrees. (Take it away immediately and lock it up. It'd probably only
take him about 7 unsupervised seconds to wipe the disk of anything
suspicious).

With that said, there are technical ways to gain access. If you can log
into the machine as an administrator, then you can take ownership of the
files (Right click folder, properties, security, advanced, owner), but be
aware that you can't do this without "leaving a trace". Assuming that your
son is computer savvy, he'll be able to tell that you accessed the folder,
so you're pretty much back to my first suggestion.

This is a common problem today. Kids doing stuff with computers that
parents don't know about. Remember, if they break the law, you're
responsible. You are also morally _and_ legally responsible for their
safety. That gives you the right to keep an eye on their online activity.

Before you do any of the above, have a plan. What if you find something
inappropriate or even illegal? What are you going to do? What if he's just
trying to keep you from reading his diary?

Best of luck with your son!

Patrick Hallihan
MCSE, MCDBA

"sherry bolton" > wrote in message
...
> My 12 year old son has his folders "access denied". I
> strongly suspect that he has unappropriate material for
> his age. How do I check up what's in his folders?