Steven
Tue Sep 23 17:23:30 CDT 2003
Hi Dave. That is a tall order for 100 words or less. I would recommend you go to the
local book store and browse the books on Windows XP to find one that looks
comfortable to your knowledge level and describes what you want to do. I will provide
a few links. I assume you are using XP Pro which also has the very powerful Software
Restriction Policies. Also the built in help for XP is fantastic - browse the help
for user and groups management, ntfs and folder permissions, Group Policy [gpedit.msc
on local machine which applies to all users by default], Computer Management, Web
Content Zones, etc. Basically you would need to start by making a regular user. Be
sure to disable their ability to change password in the user account or they will be
able to lock out other users using the common account. You will have to modify ntfs
permissions on the root folder and the user profile so that the user does not have
the ability to save files anywhere - read/list/execute is adequate where the user
needs access. If you have specific folders that you do not want them to view, you
will need to give that user deny ntfs permissions on those folders. Do NOT modify
ntfs permissions on the \windows folder or subfolders and back up your computer
before starting to configure it and make sure it has a restore point. Physically
securing the computer is important so that the user can not take the case off to
modify cmos settings. You need to make sure computer can boot only from hard drive
via cmos settings and password protect cmos settings. A user can easily hack the
administrator account if they can boot from floppy or cdrom. Do not even have a
floppy or cdrom on the computer if possible or use a case that locks their access and
also disable usb ports in cmos if at all possible. You may want to consider Kiosk
mode also in addition to other security configurations. Good luck. --- Steve
http://www.bookpool.com/.x/ewhx6fmk4n/sm/0735616329
http://www.bookpool.com/.x/ewhx6fhy34/sm/0735613818
http://www.wown.com/j_helmig/winxppro.htm
http://www.wown.com/j_helmig/winxpgpe.htm
http://www.labmice.net/windowsxp/default.htm
http://www.labmice.net/windowsxp/usermgmt.htm
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=310791
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/itpro/managing/restore.asp
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;154780
"David Plourde" <dapatl@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:c87301c38212$19f53b70$a601280a@phx.gbl...
> I manage a public PC, and wish to prevent people from
> changing settings, and accessing any files except
> Internet surfing. I am a new user to Windows XP, and do
> not know how to set a password that would prevent any
> changing of desktop items or downloading of programs. Can
> anyone tell me how to do that? Please email me at
> dapatl@hotmail.com, thank you.