When a computer can be used by different people, it is wise to limit some of the control over the system. For example, to avoid unexpected operational problems, it is best to disable Device Manager. An ordinary user does not need this section at all, and this console may well disrupt normal operation if configured incorrectly.
Instructions
Step 1
Open the command input panel and call the system policy editor. To do this, click the "Start" button and select the "Run" menu. You can also use the keyboard shortcut Win + R. You will see a window for entering a command, in which you need to type the following: gpedit.msc, the period is a prerequisite. After a while, the system's Group Policy Management Console will launch - the most powerful tool for managing computer usage settings. The described method works on Windows XP, Vista and Seven.
Step 2
Open the "Administrative Templates" section. The management console looks like a window split into two parts. On the left is a tree-like navigation structure for the parameters and settings categories. And in the right, larger part, a detailed description of the options or a tree of more subtle system settings is displayed.
Step 3
Find the section "User Configuration" and click on the plus sign to the left of this inscription. This will open the list in which you need to select the line "Administrative Templates", usually this is the third subgroup in the section. Expand this group by clicking on the plus sign and open the Windows Components menu.
Step 4
Find the MMC Management Console submenu. In Windows XP, its name looks like "Microsoft Management Console", but it is located in the same list of Windows components. On the right side of the window, you will see three lines: one with a folder icon and two separate options. Double click on the name of the top line "Prohibited and Allowed Snap-ins". This will open up a complete list of actions where you can disable Device Manager.
Step 5
Open the launch policy edit menu. To do this, double-click on the "Device Manager" item on the right side of the control console. A window will open with a description of how this add-in works. Select with the mouse the option "Disable" or "Disabled" and click the "Apply" button at the bottom of the screen.
Step 6
Switch to the "Extension Snapshots" section, which you can see on the left side of the console, and again find and double-click the "Device Manager" item. Again, check the Disabled option and click Apply.
Step 7
Close the console edit window. Click the OK button at the bottom of the screen, or simply close all windows with the help of the cross. Sometimes you need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
