Rollback software for public-user computer

[John Geddes]

We have a public-user PC (XP Pro) available in our village hall.

I am looking for a program that will roll back any changes to settings,
internet history, temp files etc that a user may have made. (Users will
be warned to save any of their own data to a memory key.)

Goback and Rollback Rx both looked fine - set to rollback on startup to
a standard "start-of-day" configuration.

But it has just hit me that over the weeks, the computer will spend more
and more time downloading Virus updates and XP updates when it starts up
- as the reverted "snapshot" gets further and further out of date. I
know I could go in every week, let it get the updates, then create a new
"snapshot", but I don't really have the time.

So I think I'm looking for software that will revert everything to a
standard "snapshot" - but with some provision that allows XP and
antivirus updates to be retained.

Does this exist? Is there a better approach?

John Geddes
England

 

[Frankster]

Have you considered simply deleting the user profile occasionally. And..
requiring the use of that profile for all logons? Not sure if this will
satisfy your needs, but maybe...

-Frank

 

[Anando [MS-MVP]]

Hello John

The Microsoft Shared Computer Toolkit for Windows XP might be the ideal solution for you. Its a free
download from Microsoft.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sharedaccess/default.mspx

--

Anando
Microsoft MVP- Windows Shell/User
http://www.microsoft.com/mvp
http://www.mvps.org


Folder customizations
http://newdelhi.sancharnet.in/minku

Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/protect

 

[Malke]

We have a public-user PC (XP Pro) available in our village hall.

I am looking for a program that will roll back any changes to
settings, internet history, temp files etc that a user may have made.
(Users will be warned to save any of their own data to a memory key.)

Goback and Rollback Rx both looked fine - set to rollback on startup
to a standard "start-of-day" configuration.

But it has just hit me that over the weeks, the computer will spend
more and more time downloading Virus updates and XP updates when it
starts up
- as the reverted "snapshot" gets further and further out of date. I
know I could go in every week, let it get the updates, then create a
new "snapshot", but I don't really have the time.

So I think I'm looking for software that will revert everything to a
standard "snapshot" - but with some provision that allows XP and
antivirus updates to be retained.

I believe that DeepFreeze by Faronics will suit you perfectly. Here's
the website:

http://www.faronics.com/index.asp

Malke

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Seconded.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Steve N.]

John Geddes wrote:




I believe that DeepFreeze by Faronics will suit you perfectly. Here's
the website:

http://www.faronics.com/index.asp

Malke

Be aware that unless you set up a _usable_ "thaw space" with DeepFreeze
(a major challenge, might I add) that works for Windows Updates and A/V
updates they will not stick. We've been struggling with this issue for
some time. It's either that or spring for the Enterprise Edition that
supports remote management or your looking at a lot of face-time at
workstations thawing, updating, installing new DF configs, etc.

In other words, it works a little _too_ good.

Steve N.

 

[Malke]

Be aware that unless you set up a _usable_ "thaw space" with
DeepFreeze (a major challenge, might I add) that works for Windows
Updates and A/V updates they will not stick. We've been struggling
with this issue for some time. It's either that or spring for the
Enterprise Edition that supports remote management or your looking at
a lot of face-time at workstations thawing, updating, installing new
DF configs, etc.

In other words, it works a little _too_ good.

I think it depends on how you want to use DeepFreeze. Now, I haven't
used it myself but my friend/colleague the tech god at my kid's school
has. He is using it in a computer lab and so it doesn't matter about
Windows Updates or any of that because the machines get returned to
cleanliness every evening. Then when school is over for the year, we go
in and do a mass reimaging, updating, or whatever is needed. But that's
a really controlled environment.

Malke

 

[Steve N.]

Steve N. wrote:




I think it depends on how you want to use DeepFreeze. Now, I haven't
used it myself but my friend/colleague the tech god at my kid's school
has. He is using it in a computer lab and so it doesn't matter about
Windows Updates or any of that because the machines get returned to
cleanliness every evening. Then when school is over for the year, we go
in and do a mass reimaging, updating, or whatever is needed. But that's
a really controlled environment.

Malke

Yeah, we've installed DF on many lab PCs in our school district and it
does _exactly_ what it is supposed to, I just wanted the OP to be aware
of that. The problems arise when:

1. We neglected to turn off Windows Updates.

2. We neglected to diasble A/V updates, or even remove A/V altogether.
The problem with removing A/V or disabling updates is that if a frozen
PC gets a worm it can attack the rest of the network, even though it
will be gone at next reboot on the host machine the rest of the net is
potentially vulnerable. Yeah, yeah, I know, protect the rest of the PCs
on the net, but with over 1500 PCs at last count and user habits ranging
from expert to totally innane it's an impossible task with 4 IT staf and
a very limited and dwindling budget. We're still trying to sort that out.

3. The teachers and staff constantly want other software installed. Of
course they don't bother to tell us that until _after_ DF is installed!
The re-visit ratio is wasting so much time it's frikking incredible!

4. The students/staff want to save IE favorites for future use, etcX3.

Yes, I realize this is not really a DF issue but one of planning and
policy enforcement, but it's our reality. At least it keeps us busy
as if we need more to do.

Steve N.

 

[Malke]

Yes, I realize this is not really a DF issue but one of planning and
policy enforcement, but it's our reality. At least it keeps us busy
as if we need more to do.

It's a living, darlin'!

Best regards,

Malke

 

[Steve N.]

Steve N. wrote:



It's a living, darlin'!

Best regards,

Malke

Yep. And why I've been keeping my hair cut short, can't pull it out that
way.

I love my job. I love my job. I love my job. I love my job. I love my
job. I love my job. I love my job. I love my job. I love my job...

Seriously, I really do love it. Best job I've ever had. Wouldn't want it
any other way.



Steve N.

 

[Steve N.]

Steve N. wrote:



It's a living, darlin'!

Best regards,

Malke

Marion! When are you gonna email me? You want a picture of my daughter
or not? She's really, _really_ cute!



Steve N.

(e-mail address removed)-boo.happynewyear.fuzzybrain.who/caresanyway.bah

 

[Steve N.]

Marion! When are you gonna email me? You want a picture of my daughter
or not? She's really, _really_ cute!



Steve N.

(e-mail address removed)-boo.happynewyear.fuzzybrain.who/caresanyway.bah

Sorry I mispelled your name, Marian.

Steve N.