Prevent Windows LIVE Messenger From Starting

[DaveP]

I would like to prevent Windows Live Messenger from running [I have prevented Windows Messenger from running]

Windows Live Messenger is popping up on student workstations as WSUS updates workstations automatically. Students are sending messages to each other and staff and I would rather that did not happen.

Ideally I would like to be able to do this through Group Policy so that the effect is immediate [and so that I don't have to go to each machine to make the changes]

Thanks.

[AIT]

I would like to prevent Windows Live Messenger from running [I have prevented Windows Messenger from running]

Windows Live Messenger is popping up on student workstations as WSUS updates workstations automatically. Students are sending messages to each other and staff and I would rather that did not happen.

Ideally I would like to be able to do this through Group Policy so that the effect is immediate [and so that I don't have to go to each machine to make the changes]

Thanks.

use a policy restriction.

User configuration, Policies, Windows Settings, Security Settings, Software Restriction, Additional, Add a new Hash Rule.

Hope This Helps

[DaveP]

use a policy restriction.

User configuration, Policies, Windows Settings, Security Settings, Software Restriction, Additional, Add a new Hash Rule.

I did this with a twist: rather than focus on the user I set the rule for the Computer. Hey presto! It worked. For some reason I had expected it not to: Don't know why.

Another little gem found out then.

[AIT]

I did this with a twist: rather than focus on the user I set the rule for the Computer. Hey presto! It worked. For some reason I had expected it not to: Don't know why.

Another little gem found out then.

That equally works. Expect I have been in one school that liked the staff having access to it!!! don’t ask me why!!!

[DaveP]

Additional: My solution 'with a twist' only prevents Windows Live Messenger from running at start up. If the students have a shortcut to the offending file they can still get it started. So I have now put a restriction on the user also.