Controlling access levels on Win XP - any freeware?

KatanaDV20

KatanaDV20

KatanaDV20

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Joined
17 Apr 2006
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Hello all :)

When I have guests over (like I do now) who want to use my computer to check mail etc Id like to lock them out of certain Windows functions (control panel, Registry editor etc).

I know the easiest way is to create a new Windows profile and restrict it severely but I dont like the clutter that creates.

Was just wondering if there was any free software out there that would allow you to temporarily disable access to critical Windows functions under the current login. The application itself would have course be PW protected.

Thanx loads :D
 
I'm wondering if the Microsoft Shared Computer Toolkit might help you out. You'd probably have to create another account and lock that down though, which I don't think you want to have to do.

You could have your account, passworded of course, and have a Guest account and heavily trim that account's abilities to do things.
 
You could have your account, passworded of course, and have a Guest account and heavily trim that account's abilities to do things.
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I think thats what I will do! Should I leave it at Guest or Restricted, those two always confuse me when it comes to which grants less access!

The Shared Computer Toolkit is a great suggestion, I have that already but yes...like you said you need to create a new profile and apply the restrictions. It works ok but gave some problems the last time I used it. For example Opera refused to work in the restricted profile and IE kept losing its Favourites.

Thanx for the reply :cool:
 
Hmm I see what you mean. I actually don't know what is less restricted, Guest or Restricted. Suppose you'll either have to google that or search the forums and see if there's been any precedent for this situation which, surely, is quite likely.
 
Ok Ive decided to use the MS tool after all lol, doesnt matter if IE loses its favourites all the time, it will do! The tool allows really severe restrictions which is what Im after!!!

Thanx!!! ;)
 
The 'guest' account is more restricted than restricted. I'm guessing it keeps losing its favorites because it can't write to the folder. You can change the favorites path though to another folder-

1.) Remove all restrictions

2.) Log on as guest user and create a folder in the 'My Documents' folder called favorites and ensure 'everyone' has full access

3.) Open the Registry Editor and navigate to HKCU > Software > Microsoft > Windows > CurrentVersion > Explorer > User Shell Folders then find the entry called favorites and double click it

4.) Change it to '%USERPROFILE%\My Documents\Favorites', ok it and close regedit

5.) Log off, reapply the restrictions and see if it works :)
 
Thanx Trigger, thats an interesting tweak, will have a go at it today :) Wanna try out that Favourites trick as well!

---->>

LOL. I ALWAYS win.
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:p

Now Im gonna try the Guest without applying the MS Tool...woot!!!! Geez why do I leave everything to the las tminute, Im gonna set up this nice restricted login and then leave it alone. Heh.
 
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