XP Mode and Mapped Drives

[chazzy2501]

I'm tentatively issuing Windows 7 (at last) and I'm using the XPmode to install SIMS on. I'd like not to domain the virtual XP machine. (I just don't want another 60 PCs in the AD and I can image it easier)

 

I've enabled the intergration features and asked it to map the mapped S drive from the host but it doesn't do it? It offers to do it but does nothing. I'd rather not script a mapped drive on the guest xp machine as I'd need to include credentials.

 

p.s. I wish xpmode allowed me to make per machine account instead of per user accounts (I just don't need massive user profiles)

[chazzy2501]

Never Mind the mapped drives are not really mapped anyway, no drive letter.

[ChrisH]

I'm using SIMS on windows 7 without much problem.

[FreeWill]

Just checking and not intending to be rude - you do know that SIMS works OK on Windows 7 without the use of XP mode, don't you?

[GREED]

UAC often screws around with SIMS, but I had it working fine.

[chazzy2501]

I want to use XP mode as a handy way of removing the admin rights of staff users from their workstations. SIMS requires local admin control in order update and the user also requires full control of the shared S drive. These 2 things have been a continual headache for me. XPMode will allow me to secure the host from annoying staff! (no more limewire, torrents, ITunes, toolbars helpers) mwuh ha ha. That and I think the UAC is a great thing. (Probably alone on that one hugh?)

[ChrisH]

Our users don't have admin rights for SIMS. Try using simsperm.bat and that should give the necessary files, folders and reg keys the right permissions.

[GREED]

+1 for simsperm.bat

[3s-gtech]

Same here - our users are totally locked down, SIMS does not need local admin rights. It just needs modify NTFS permissions for them on C:\Program Files\SIMS.

[chazzy2501]

blimey! where is the simsperm batch file?

[ChrisH]

On a normal setup you will find it at S:\Sims\Setups.

[chazzy2501]

has anyone got a simple install guide for SIMS on windows 7 as I've just run into a few problems doing it my usual way. (moaning about not seeing the S drive, even though I'm installing from there!)

[GREED]

That will most likely be a permissions issue relating to UAC, ensure the folders have the correct permissions.

[edutech4schools]

No I had the s drive issue and it was not UAC. Problem is I am off ill and not at the school where my notes are. If I can remember what I did I post back.

[Zenden]

rather than use simsperm, i have a GPO which assigns the all staff group permissions to the right folders and regkeys and also disables UAC meaning they can run the sims update but dont have admin rights

 

I can supply more detail on the GPO settings if needed

[chazzy2501]

gpo export would be nice:) btw I've never sucessfully added reg keys with a GPO? Shame about disabling UAC.

 

Should save this for the RED DOOR but I wish SIMS worked through a web browser and worked with AD! Bloated garbage that it is...

Edited December 17, 2010 by chazzy2501

[GREED]

gpo export would be nice:) btw I've never sucessfully added reg keys with a GPO? Shame about disabling UAC.

 

Should save this for the RED DOOR but I wish SIMS worked through a web browser and worked with AD! Bloated garbage that it is...

 

Massive talk last year about a web browser version of SIMS in the pipe. This may have been dumped though in favour of getting the same funcationality in SLG, which would be an obvious step.

 

Phil... any advance?

[Zenden]

gpo export would be nice:) btw I've never sucessfully added reg keys with a GPO? Shame about disabling UAC.

 

Should save this for the RED DOOR but I wish SIMS worked through a web browser and worked with AD! Bloated garbage that it is...

 

to disable UAC: Computer Config\Preferences\Windows Settings\Registry -->New Registry Item:

 

Action - Replace (or create if thats how you like to do these things!)

Hive - HKEY_LOCAL MACHINE

Key Path - SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System

Value Name - EnableLUA

Value Type - REG_DWORD

Value Data - 00000000

 

That has stopped all my Sims UAC worries.

 

For the upgrade permissions:

 

Computer Config\Policies\Windows Settings\Security Settings\File System -->Add File

Two Policies are needed in this location--->

 

Policy 1:

New File--> Folder : %ProgramFiles%\SIMS

Set it to "Configure this file or folder then Propogate inheritable permissions to all subfolders and files" then click "edit Security" and assign your Staff/Sims User group (mine is just called STAFF) the appropriate permissions (enough to Read/write/modify at least or full control)

 

Policy 2:

 

Repeat this process but for the folder location %SystemRoot%\Sims.ini

 

Now for the Registry Permissions:

 

Computer Config\Policies\Security Settings\Registry --->Add Key

 

4 Keys are needed:

 

Key 1:

 

MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes

Again choose "Configure this key then propogate inheritable permissions to all subkeys" then choose Edit Security and add your STAFF group with write/modify or full control.

 

do the same for MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID and then MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Interface and also MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\TypeLIb (I am quite sure you shouldnt need to set these three keys permissions since it should be inherited by the first Key but I like to be sure)

 

I hope that long winded explanation covered it, I can always provide screengrabs if you are still unsure.

 

Good Luck