Prevent Users changing Desktop Wallpaper with Group Policy
KB ID 0000461 Problem If you need to lock down your client machines desktops and prevent your users from changing the wallpaper, then here’s a run through on how to do it. Solution 1. On your domain controller , Start > Administrative Tools > Group Policy Management Console > Either create a new policy and link it to your targeted USERS or edit an existing one, then navigate to; User Configuration > Administrative...
Remove the Recycle Bin Via Group Policy
KB ID 0000463 Problem You might ask “why would I want to do this?” But if your users do not have access to local drives, then nothing’s going to get put in the recycle bin anyway, so it’s one less thing they can fiddle with. Solution 1. On your domain controller , Start > Administrative Tools > Group Policy Management Console > Either create a new policy and link it to your targeted USERS or edit an...
Windows Disable UAC Thorough Group Policy
KB ID 0000041 Problem UAC (User Account Control) – while a good thing, sometimes causes more annoyances than solves problems, to turn it of through group policy do the following. Solution This Policy is a Computer based policy and needs to be applied to Computers NOT Users. Disable UAC On Windows Server 2008 / 2008 R2 Domain With Group Policy 1. On a domain controller or a client running the remote administration tools >...
Disable High Contrast with Group PolicyDisable Accessibility Options with Group Policy
KB ID 0000472 Problem A few weeks back I wrote about a client who was having problems with kids at his school launching the ease of access button from the login screen. And how I disabled the ease of access button. High Contrast After a site visit it seems that the “little darlings” had now worked out that by pressing “Alt+Shift+Print Screen” they could turn on high contrast. And this, which is obviously...
Windows – Stop “Do you trust this printer?” Message
KB ID 0000508 Problem While setting up a new printer you might see this message on the screen, if you are manually installing a printer that’s fine, but if you are scripting the printer installs you DONT want all your users to see this popping up on their screens, it makes them flap, and then they will ring you up. Printers Do you trust this printer? Windows needs to download and install software from the {print server name}...
Disable ‘Sleep’ From the Windows Shutdown Button
KB ID 0000851 Problem You want to stop your users being able to select the ‘Sleep’ option from the Windows 7 power button via group policy. Solution 1. On a domain controller Windows Key+R> gpmc.msc {enter} > The Group Policy Management Console will open. 2. Navigate to where you want to create your policy, or edit an existing one, Note: This is a computer policy, make sure the policy is linked to an OU that...
Disable ‘Lock’ From the Windows Shutdown Button
KB ID 0000851 Problem You want to stop your users being able to select the ‘Lock’ option from the Windows 7 power button via group policy. Solution 1. On a domain controller Windows Key+R> gpmc.msc {enter} > The Group Policy Management Console will open. 2. Navigate to where you want to create your policy, or edit an existing one. Note: This is a computer policy, make sure the policy is linked to an OU that contains...
Windows Enabling “Show Hidden Files” and “Show File Extensions”
KB ID 0000655 Problem Windows, by.default hides file extensions. Note: Only for files it understands. e.g. In the example below it does not know what a .doc extension is so it shows it (because Word has not been installed yet). Show File Extensions Also hidden files and folders are not shown. Show Hidden Files and Folders Solution I know these are two different things, but I usually set them both together, and they’re both set...
Windows – Map a Drive to OneDrive
KB ID 0000659 Problem You could do this with Windows 7, but as you can log into Windows 8 with your Microsoft Live ID (formally Microsoft Passport), the process is a lot simpler. Solution 1. Whist logged into Windows 8 with your Microsoft Live ID, open your web browser and go to https://onedrive.live.com/about/en-gb/ Log in > Files > Create > Folder. 2. For simplicity I’ve just called the folder SkyDrive. 3. Open a...
How to Join Windows to a Domain
KB ID 0000661 Problem If you are struggling with the new Windows UI, then routine tasks like joining a domain can be hard to locate. Solution Before you start, I’m assuming there are no problems with your domain and the Windows 8 client can resolve the domain name with DNS. 1. Press Windows Key+X to bring up the advanced context menu > Control Panel > System and Security. Technical Ninja Tip: You can launch the run...