How to disable control panel access for Windows XP

The control panel access for Windows XP allows users to set different system values. If you are the administrator to your computer and want all values to remain the same you can block access to this feature. Doing so will eliminate any unwanted changes and is just as easy to enable if you change your mind.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer
• Windows XP
• mouse
• Administrative access to your computer

1. Click on your start menu; select Run. Another box will appear and you need to type gpedit.msc in the open field. Click OK and the group policy page will open without any unneeded browsing through files.

2. In the group policy page there are two columns. Look on the right and find the heading Administrative Templates, under the heading User Configuration. Click Administrative Templates. Then choose Control Panel on the right.

3. Double click on, “Prohibit access to the Control Panel”. Another window pops up and you can click on the settings tab. Choose Enabled. Click the apply button and then ok.

4. Undoing this change is as easy it was enabling it. Follow steps 1 – 3 and then choose, “Not Configured” in the last step.

Tips & Warnings

• You will not have the access level to do this if you are not an Administrator on the computer in question.
• This can help protect your computer from someone who is unsure of what consequences their system values will have on the system as a whole.