Disable shutdown but enable restart and logoff...

  • Thread starter Thread starter Stan Webb
  • Start date Start date
S

Stan Webb

We need to disable the shutdown option for our end users (all XP) while
allowing them the option to restart or logoff. If we disable shutdown in
group policy, it only gives them the option to logoff, not restart. Any
ideas how we can accomplish this? Thanks in advance.

Stan
 
Hello Stan,

I was not able to find a setting that allows restart but disallows shutdown.
This process is handled by Winlogon also known as the Gina. As far as I can
tell this can't be done unless you write your own GINA, PC Anywhere is an
example of a program that uses a custom GINA.

The only other option I can think of is to disable shutdown via policy and
then use Shutdown.exe from the resource kit to "restart" the computers when
they need to.

You can create a new item in the Start menu that points to a batch file or
vb script that runs shutdown.exe with the /r switch to restart the computer.

317371 HOW TO: Use the Remote Shutdown Tool to Shut Down and Restart a
Computer http://support.microsoft.com/?id=317371

This may not be useful but you can also change the defaults shutdown
dialogs.

The Shutdown subkey contains values that enable you to specify and save
alternate default shutdown settings.
Registry path:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
\Microsoft
\WindowsNT
\CurrentVersion
\Shutdown

Note:Windows NT does not create a Shutdown subkey, but you can add one by
editing the Registry or by using a program that edits the Registry.

LogoffSetting REG_DWORD 0 | 1 | 2 | 3

Default: 0

Specifies the default option for the Logoff dialog box.

Value Meaning
0 Logoff
1 Shutdown
2 Shutdown and Restart
3 Shutdown and Power Off
Notes

Windows NT does not add the this value entry to the Registry. You can add it
by editing the Registry or by using a program that edits the Registry.
The Power Off option is not supported on all computers.

See Also

PowerdownAfterShutdown
ShutdownWithoutLogon

ShutdownSetting REG_DWORD 0 | 1 | 2 | 3

Default: 0

Specifies the default value for the Shutdown Computer dialog box. The
Shutdown
Computer dialog box appears when you press CTRL+ALT+DELETE and then click
Shut
Down.

Value Meaning
0 Logoff
1 Shutdown
2 Shutdown and Restart
3 Shutdown and Power Off
Notes

Windows NT does not add the this value entry to the Registry. You can add it
by
editing the Registry or by using a program that edits the Registry.
The Power Off option is not supported on all computers.
 
Wow! Thanks for the great and useful information. Using shutdown.exe is the
route we dicussed yesterday that I believe will more than meet our
occassional needs. I will add this posting to my resource archives in the
event we need to customize the shutdown options further

Thanks again!

Stan
 
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