How can you set policies or restrictions on Windows XP home on a peer to peer network

[Battousai1]

Hi! I just made a peer to peer network with 10 workstation and 1 file and printer "server". All workstations are running Windows XP Home. I would like to ask how can I set policies or restriction to each workstations? I just learned that win xp home has no gpedit.msc and my network is peer to peer and no server so it will be impossible to set policies over the server, so policies or restrictions will definitely be configured on each workstation right?

What I mean about policies or restriction is that for all the workstation, for example users will not be allowed to install any application, has restricted access to control panel, cannot view restricted files, cannot delete files and each startmenu is customized (like no run button, no my computer button etc.). BTW the workstations will have no user log in as the network setup is just peer to peer and no users set.

Thanks in advance for any replies!

[Sterling_Aug]

Sounds like you need a server setup and Windows XP Pro so you can use gpedit.msc.

[Midknyte]

10 workstations is too many for a xp home network. xp home can only have 5 simultaneous connections at a time. you're going to run into sharing problems.

you can look at something like deepfreeze to lock the systems.
http://www.faronics.com/

[Battousai1]

Hi! thanks for the replies! i finally found the exact software i am looking for, actually the network that was setup is for an internet cafe (mostly used for network gaming rentals, legal and legitimate that is). I was just surprised with the software i found at www.handycafe.com and www.icafeboss.com, using such a software you can control other workstations using one machine within your network (one subnet), put policies and restrictions to other computers even if you are running xp home, the good thing is that you don't have to put up client/server setting. Only peer to peer.

Just install the "server" version on one computer then install the "client" version to all the other workstation and the computer you assigned as "server" can now easily control others workstations, put policies/restrictions, lock workstations, remote management etc.

I also checked out deepfreeze its quite interesting too.

[Ol'Tunzafun]

I also checked out deepfreeze its quite interesting too.
DeepFreeze is the ticket for public computers. It will save you a lot of headaches. It is also better for the clients as it is not so necessary to place onerous restrictions on their activities.