Preventing user to use internet explorer on Windows XP

Hello everybody


It is about a network contains 5 computers connected to a router that I don't have an access on it.

I need to prevent users using the internet explorer and on the same time I want users to check their emails on MS outlook.

is there any permission on windows xp sp2 that can help me for doing that ?

Do I have to go thru some private software ?

what is the right direction for doing that ?


thank you in advance


regards.

re: Preventing user to use internet explorer on Windows XP

The easiest way in most cases would be to just remove the IE link on the desktop and in the Start menu and set something else as the standard browser. Give them a Firefox link (or Opera or whatever other browser they should use) instead and most users will be happy.

It will still be possible to start IE if they really want to, but most people who are able to do that wouldn't want to use IE anyway.

Greetings,
Nepomuk

re: Preventing user to use internet explorer on Windows XP

This is what I did I removed the IE from add/remove program and they still able to use it.
My goal is to prevent users from using the internet. I just want them to check their emails thru ms outlook.

re: Preventing user to use internet explorer on Windows XP

OK, I understand. In that case I think the best option would be to block port 80, which is used by browsers to access the internet. I am not 100% sure, but I think Outlook doesn't use that port. You can find instructions on blocking ports here. Of course, if you have another firewall installed that allows you to block ports, you can use that instead.

Mind you, people with enough experience could still use browsers over other ports, but most people wouldn't know how to.

Greetings,
Nepomuk

re: Preventing user to use internet explorer on Windows XP

Why is it that you don't have access to the router? is it administered by someone else?

re: Preventing user to use internet explorer on Windows XP

Go to Control Panel ---> Administrative Tools ---> Local Security Policy ---> then set the Software restriction Policy. Create a new Software policy and select the Internet Explorer.

You can't do it unless you are an administrator. Its a security policy on all windows.

re: Preventing user to use internet explorer on Windows XP

One quick and easy way to block all IE activity is to use thew Content Advisor. To do this from the IE browser go to Tools, Internet Options, click the Content Tab, under content advisor click enable or settings (depending if it has been used or not and click approved sites and enter in some bogus site and click always allowed. This will require you to set a password.

After this is all done IE will require a password for all navigation.