How to prevent a user from uninstalling programs?

[void]

I install all of my programs to the Program Files folder, which is only
writable by Administrator. Many of my programs, though, include an uninstall
shortcut in their folder in the Start menu. I am wondering what were to
happen if a normal user were to run the uninstall program. I think that none
of the files would be erased, since the user wouldn't have permission. But
the user's registry entries would be erased, right? Is the solution to change
the permissions on all of those uninstall shortcuts to Administrator only?
But that wouldn't solve the case where the program is uninstalled by running
the main executable with a /uninstall option. Also, would it be a good idea
to somehow prevent a user from accessing Add/Remove Programs from the Control
Panel?

 

[Jerold Schulman]

I install all of my programs to the Program Files folder, which is only
writable by Administrator. Many of my programs, though, include an uninstall
shortcut in their folder in the Start menu. I am wondering what were to
happen if a normal user were to run the uninstall program. I think that none
of the files would be erased, since the user wouldn't have permission. But
the user's registry entries would be erased, right? Is the solution to change
the permissions on all of those uninstall shortcuts to Administrator only?
But that wouldn't solve the case where the program is uninstalled by running
the main executable with a /uninstall option. Also, would it be a good idea
to somehow prevent a user from accessing Add/Remove Programs from the Control
Panel?

Try:

regsvr32 /u appwiz.cpl


Jerold Schulman
Windows: General MVP
JSI, Inc.
http://www.jsiinc.com

 

[Steve Parry [MVP]]

In

I install all of my programs to the Program Files folder, which is
only writable by Administrator. Many of my programs, though, include
an uninstall shortcut in their folder in the Start menu. I am
wondering what were to happen if a normal user were to run the
uninstall program. I think that none of the files would be erased,
since the user wouldn't have permission. But the user's registry
entries would be erased, right? Is the solution to change the
permissions on all of those uninstall shortcuts to Administrator
only? But that wouldn't solve the case where the program is
uninstalled by running the main executable with a /uninstall option.
Also, would it be a good idea to somehow prevent a user from
accessing Add/Remove Programs from the Control Panel?

Start
Run
type
gpedit.msc
click OK

Group Policy opens

navigate to

User Configuration
Administrative Templates
Control Panel
Add/Remove Programs

right hand pane option
Disable Add/Remove Programs