Windows 7 users installing devices

arturski · 2 Mar 2012 at 12:54

We are planning to roll out Windows 7 in a school and are wondering if this can solve some ongoing issues that we have always experienced with XP.

Server 2008 R2
Clients Windows 7 32-bit

The school uses a bunch of devices on ad-hoc basis, things like Scanners, Lego Robots and digital microscopes. All these devices travel around the school and can be plugged into any PC on site. Previously we had to install everything manually and were hoping that there is a feature under windows 7 that would allow a user to install the device without admin rights.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

SoundsGood · 2 Mar 2012 at 12:59

Yes you can with group policy: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb530324.aspx

I thought you could do this on XP as well but couldn't find anything on Google to back it up

d_brennen · 2 Mar 2012 at 13:00

You can allow non admin users to install hardware, using GP

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc725772(v=ws.10).aspx

arturski · 2 Mar 2012 at 13:08

thanks guys just had a read through that will do a few days of testing to see if it works.

Do you think it will be the same case with non signed drivers? Theres so many generic chinese devices out there its amazing!

d_brennen · 2 Mar 2012 at 13:42

IIRC you can allow unsigned drivers by non admins as well, but be careful with what device categories you allow - USB flash being one, unless the kids are allowed to bring memory sticks in already? I'd not allow it myself