How do I restrict a computer access so user can only open 1 program?

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October 04, 2011

How do I restrict a computer access so user can only open 1 program?

Posted by: kk : Category: Computer Question Answers

Question by Drew H: How do I restrict a computer access so user can only open 1 program?
I need to set up a computer for an employee. I want him to be able to only open 1 program only (excel) in this computer and can’t open anything else. Is there any way to do that?

Best answer:

Answer by smallbizwebsites.org
Assuming it is a Windows PC, what you can do is set up a new user account and logon. The new user account (go to Control Panel/User Accounts) should be a LIMITED account, not an admin account.

After you set it up with its own unique name and password, log on yourself. You will see a plain vanilla desktop that only displays icons for programs that were installed for “All Users”.

Now the fun begins. Let’s say that the new account uses the logon “Joe”

Log on as an administrator, which is what your normal logon probably is. If you are using Windows XP, view the folder Documents and Settings on your C drive. You will see a folder Joe.

Take a look at two folders under Joe: Desktop and Start Menu. Delete any icons from these folders if you do not want Joe to be able to use them.

So far, so good, except for one more step. There is also a folder called “All Users” If there is an icon for a program here, then Joe will see it also and can click on it.

Let’s say your personal logon is Sam

What you want to do is remove any icons from the folder “All Users” (in both Desktop and Start Menu) and move them to the Sam folder.
That way you can still use these programs, but other users like Joe can not. This only has to be done for programs you don’t want Joe to use.

One additional benefit of a Limited user account is that Joe can not install anything, and he can not see your folder on the hard drive. It’s a little work, but this will give you the restrictions you want.

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