lock desktop down in App

[jjmraz]

Hi,

How can I lock down the desktop stopping end user from getting to
desktop when inside my app until they quit app?

Also how can I start another app from my app?

Thanks,

JJ

 

[Peter Rilling]

Well, as far as running other apps, you can take a look at the Process
class.

Now, I don't know if you can prevent access to the desktop and I would not
think you would want to. Consider the usability issues with this.
Computers are multi-process system and as such, it is assumed by the user
that they can run any program they want from the standard interface (you
know, the start menu and maybe a shortcut on the desktop, etc.) Changing
the behavior of the computer will invariantly cause confusion. Just my
thoughts.

 

[jjmraz]

Ok then how would I stop a user from accessing the destop toolbar and
ctrl-alt-del to task Manager?

JJ

 

[Nicholas Paldino [.NET/C# MVP]]

Why would you want to limit access to this? Unless this is a kiosk
application, I don't think it is a good idea.

 

[Willy Denoyette [MVP]]

Ok then how would I stop a user from accessing the destop toolbar and
ctrl-alt-del to task Manager?

JJ

For XP and higher, take a look at the policy editor (administrative tools -
Security policy).

Willy.

 

[Peter Rilling]

Actually now that I think about it, I have seen my desktop crash and unload.
Normally the OS is suppose to re-launch the desktop, but I have noticed that
if there are other apps already loaded, it does not reload the desktop.

So, one way might be to kill the explorer process and see what happens.

 

[VJ]

I am not sure why you need to do this.. but we were in sort of similar
situation for a application.... I have done the below

1. Maximize your application Window to occupy entire desktop area, yes this
can be done (using APIs) and yes it does hide the taskbar
2. Prevent user from resizing .., for example you could set broderstyle as
not sizeable for the main form
3. Lock specific key combinations ( or the entire keyboard ), I have blocked
CTL+ALT+DEL , ALT+TAB, SHIFT+ALT+TAB and any key combination me/our testing
team can come up with to prevent access to desktop. You have to make sure
that there is a Dispose() implemented for this component and then that it
gets called when your application exits.. this will make sure that all
combinations are restored..

All this I did as separate modules and then I invoke them one after other
when I need to from my program.

Let me know if you need more info..I am not sure I can share very much
code... but I will do my best to answer any questions u have..

VJ

 

[Bry]

The correct way of doing this is as follows

(This doc states Win 2000, but it applies to Win XP also)

http://www.microsoft.com/resources/...s/2000/server/reskit/en-us/regentry/93488.asp