How can i restrict a guest account in Windows7 PRO?

[Windowpayne]

Hi all,
I want everything hidden and locked down save for a few apps. I tried using the group policy editor, but when I made a change it locked me out as well! (Admin account)

Anyone know how to do this?

P.S. the machine will not be part of a Domain

 

[richc46]

Welcome
This will show you how to hide an account
User Account - Hide - Vista Forums

 

[Windowpayne]

Thanks for the reply, but I'm not sure I understand, why would I hide the account? I need it active so that it can be used by the public.

 

[richc46]

Im not sure what you mean, then. If you have an account you can give permissions or hide folders. Do you want to hide folders etc?
I wasnt clear on your meaning, sorry.

 

[Windowpayne]

I want to restrict/hide everything except for allowing them to run a few apps. I want to make it so that they cannot see my computer or control panel, they are not even allowed to access the task manager or right click on toolbars and the desktop.

You know like when you use a public computer at a hotel or the library? Everything is locked down..

 

[richc46]

The choices then are guest account or parental controls
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/7412-guest-account-turn-off.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/54360-parental-controls-setup-use.html
In addition, you can hide your personal files
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/56005-file-folder-hide-unhide.html
These are the most restrictive methods, which is what I think that you want
You can also limit use of certain programs

Good Luck

 

[ickymay]

personally I would use app locker but this is only available in available in Ultimate and Enterprise versions of Windows 7

theres a nice guide here if you decide to upgrade

to use gpedit try this guide here ............

also in gpedit user configuration the settings under administrative templates allow control of desktop and control panel etc

 

[richc46]

One of the benefits of the guest account anything that is done, is removed when the account is
logged off
Windows 7 Guest Mode Creates Bomb-Proof Accounts

 

[Windowpayne]

The choices then are guest account or parental controls
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/7412-guest-account-turn-off.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/54360-parental-controls-setup-use.html
In addition, you can hide your personal files
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/56005-file-folder-hide-unhide.html
These are the most restrictive methods, which is what I think that you want
You can also limit use of certain programs

Good Luck

Thanks again for the reply, but thats not what I am looking for. I need it a lot more restrictive than that. I don't even want the guest user to be able to access my computer or see the hard drive..lol

Again I was able to do all that, but my problem is I can't enable the restrictions I want for a specific account.

 

[Windowpayne]

to use gpedit try this guide here ............

also in gpedit user configuration the settings under administrative templates allow control of desktop and control panel etc

yes I found that guide earlier today and used it, but if you read in the comments section in the bottom, I ran into the same problem as everyone else. The Admin account gets locked down as well!

 

[Windowpayne]

One of the benefits of the guest account anything that is done, is removed when the account is
logged off
Windows 7 Guest Mode Creates Bomb-Proof Accounts

interesting, I'll look into this one...not the level of customization group policy editor has but might do the trick..

 

[ickymay]

have you taken a look at windows steady state ?

 

[Windowpayne]

have you taken a look at windows steady state ?

I've heard of it, does it work with Windows 7?

"Brief Description
Windows® SteadyState™ 2.5 is now available on Windows XP and Windows Vista"

 

[Tews]

Usually, if it will run in Vista, it will run in Windows 7, though you may need to install it in compatibility mode...

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/316-compatibility-mode.html?ltr=C

 

[James Colbert]

http://www.sevenforums.com/general-discussion/121776-user-account-help.html#post1049080

Also, Windows Steady State looks interesting, and seems to incorporate User Accounts. Thanks to ickyMay for posting the link.

James

Edit: It appears that Steady State won't be supported beyond next summer, but Guest Mode appears to be an 'in-built' replacement of sorts for Win 7. Setting up restricted user accounts allows you to get very specific with your restrictions...assessing your needs correctly should make the choice for you.

 

[dalep]

Hi all,
I want everything hidden and locked down save for a few apps. I tried using the group policy editor, but when I made a change it locked me out as well! (Admin account)

Anyone know how to do this?

P.S. the machine will not be part of a Domain

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I know what ya mean you want to restrict access to the admin-like stuff. you said you used group policy editor. you did the right thing but you also said it loked down your account to. well, go to run and type MMC THEN GO TO FILE THEN ADD/REMOVE SNAP-IN THEN DOUBLE CLICK GROUP POLICY OBJECT THEN A WINDOW WILL COME UP. THEN SELECT USERS TAB AND DOUBLE CLICK NON-ADMINISTRATORS AND THERE YA GO. ADD AS MANY RESTRICTIONS AS YOU LIKE. BUT SOME GPO'S THAT ARE FOR XP, SERVER 2003 AND WINDOWS 2000 are still there WILL NOT WORK WITH WINDOWS 7. as long as you've reversed your restrictions, the non-administrators GPO will lock down the guest account.