Disable features of Windows Explorer from registry

[PabloPK]

Hi.

I have a Windows 7 embedded that I want to modify this way for all users (or, even better, for non-administration accounts):
- It must not be possible to open folders.
- It must not be possible to erase files from desktop.
- Disable Start menu
- Disable Windows key.
- Lock task manager.

I am aware that this configuration can be made from the registry, but I have not been able to find the keys where this can be made.

Thanks a lot!

 

[Megahertz07]

What version of Win 7 do you have?

 

[PabloPK]

Hi Megahertz07,

This is all the information I could gather (I guess it's more than needed):

*Windows edition
Windows Embedded Standard
Copyright 2010
Service pack 1

*System
Manufacturer: bioMerieux
Model: HP RP5800
Rating: 5,1
Processor: Intel Pentium 4 CPU 2.80GHz 2.79 GHz
RAM: 512 MB
System type: 64-bit

Thank you!

 

[Megahertz07]

What is the device that use the Win CE?
According to Windows IoT - Wikipedia the Win CE is a very little OS used on some control devices.
I have a GPS that has Win CE. I don't have access to the OS. It boots and auto load the GPS program (iGo).

Back to your OP, I don't think you have the tools to do what you want as it doesn't have the group polices that you find on the pro version.

But you can limit what a user can do by cleaning the user start menu.
Does the device has mouse?

There is two start menu: One for the user and other for all users
- User "C:\Users\Name\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu"
- All users "C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs"
If you put all shortcuts to the administrator Start menu account, delete all shortcuts from all users and leave the user start menu with only with some shortcuts, it won't be able to do much.

For prevent deleting desktop files, are them data files or shortcuts?

 

[PabloPK]

Hi megahertz,

Thank you for your answer. I will investigate the solution you propose.

Anyway, what I have looks like a regular Windows 7 and is installed on a PC. I use it to control an external instrument. I can install any regular Windows software, like Firefox (I did install this one). I found a software that activates all restrictions I need, but it prevents my control software from working. That's why I need to dive into the registry.

About this you said: "For prevent deleting desktop files, are them data files or shortcuts?". They are shortcuts (not so critical).


Obrigado

 

[Megahertz07]

You also has two desktops.
C:\Users\Public\Desktop - For all users
C:\Users\Name\Desktop - For specific user

You can make a batch file to copy all links from a folder to the user desktop and auto run it at startup so even if the user deletes the shortcuts they will be restored on next start.

 

[PabloPK]

That's a good solution for the desktop icons.

Any idea about what registry keys disable the Windows explorer folders and the Start menu?

 

[Megahertz07]

As I wrote, pro version has group policies that you can do a lot of customization s (gpedit.msc).
GPedit has a GUI and it add / make changes to the register. But I have no idea how to make directly to the register.
Look for Group Policy keys on the register.

 

[PabloPK]

Thank you Megahertz.

I will explore that and let you know.