Locking Down the Desktop

[Jeff]

I am writing a custom web browser that will only allow users to view a
particular website while taking an online test.

While the user is taking the test, I would like to limit their desktop
funcationality (ie. prevent them from running other applications like
internet explorer, email or chat. I would also like to prevent them from
using Alt-Tab, accessing any files stored on the computer and disable most
of the Start Menu funcationality like control panel, programs, etc).
Hopefully this would prevent any cheating that may otherwise occur.

What would be the best way to accomplish such a thing?

It looks as if the group policy editor allows you to disable all of these
things and more, however, is it possible to alter the local group policy
when my application starts and then restore it to it's original state once
the application has finished?

Thanks, in advance, for your help!

 

[Ying-Shen Yu[MSFT]]

Hi Jeff,

Base on my research, There is no easy way to meet your needs.
Normally, it's not a good idea to prevent user using these normal
operations.
How about make an application full screen form, and use a Timer to set it
to top most?
You may also monitor the Form.DeActivate event to know if the user is
switching to other app then cancel the test.

Does this way can work around this issue?

Thanks!

Best regards,

Ying-Shen Yu [MSFT]
Microsoft Online Partner Support
Get Secure! - www.microsoft.com/security

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties and confers no rights.
This mail should not be replied directly, please remove the word "online"
before sending mail.

 

[Joe White]

I know there are commercial products that will lock down the desktop. Have
you investigated that angle at all?

Otherwise, you might try using Group Policy Editor to lock down a single
user account on the machine, and require the users to log into that user
account in order to run your app.

 

[Ying-Shen Yu[MSFT]]

Hi Jeff,

I'd like to know if my reply is helpful to your issue.
If you still have problem on this issue, please feel free to reply this
thread.



Best regards,

Ying-Shen Yu [MSFT]
Microsoft community Support
Get Secure! - www.microsoft.com/security

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties and confers no rights.
This mail should not be replied directly, please remove the word "online"
before sending mail.