DOCUMENT:Q161979 12-AUG-1999 [homemm] TITLE :Encarta: How to Disable the Ability to Start Programs PRODUCT :Microsoft Home Multimedia Titles PROD/VER:WINDOWS: OPER/SYS: KEYWORDS:kbenv kbui kbimu ====================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The information in this article applies to: - Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 97 Deluxe for Windows - Microsoft Encarta 97 Encyclopedia for Windows - Microsoft Encarta 98 Encyclopedia for Windows ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IMPORTANT: This article contains information about editing the registry. Before you edit the registry, you should first make a backup copy of the registry files (System.dat and User.dat). Both are hidden files in the Windows folder. SUMMARY ======= It may be necessary for you to prevent access to executable programs on your computer. For example, you can disable the Run command in Windows Explorer to restrict access to files and folders. If the Run command is disabled, you cannot locate and execute programs. MORE INFORMATION ================ In addition to a Run command, certain programs have other methods of starting executable programs. Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 1997 and 1998 editions provide two ways to start an executable program. The "Choose Web Browser" and "Choose Word Processor" options allow you to customize Encarta Encyclopedia so that a particular program starts (this can include files such as Command.com, Progman.exe, or Explorer.exe) You are also able to start Msinfo.exe, located in the About box. This feature contains the Run command on the File menu. You can configure Encarta Encyclopedia to restrict these options without affecting the program's functionality. To accomplish this, use the appropriate method for your version of Windows. NOTE: The ability to restrict a user from customizing which program starts from within Encarta was added to the 1997 edition of Encarta Encyclopedia. Previous editions of Encarta Encyclopedia enabled you to customize which program starts, but you could not prevent a user from changing the settings. Windows 3.x ----------- NOTE: Encarta 98 Encyclopedia will not run in Microsoft Windows 3.x. In Windows 3.x, follow these steps to disable the ability to run executable programs: 1. Open the Encarta.ini file in a word processor program, such as Notepad or Write. 2. In the [97Options] section, type the following line: AllowAppSelection=0 3. Save the file, quit the word processor program, and then restart Encarta. Windows 95/98 ------------- In Windows 95/98, follow these steps to disable the ability to run executable programs: For information about how to edit the registry, view the Changing Keys And Values online Help topic in Registry Editor (Regedit.exe). Note that you should make a backup copy of the registry files (System.dat and User.dat) before you edit the registry. WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall Windows 95. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk. 1. Use Registry Editor to open the appropriate key for your version of Encarta: Encarta 97 Encyclopedia ----------------------- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Microsoft Reference\Encarta Encyclopedia\97 Encarta 98 Encyclopedia ----------------------- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Microsoft Reference\Encarta Encyclopedia\98 2. Click Edit, point to New, and then click DWORD Value. 3. Type the following line, and then press ENTER: AllowAppSelection 4. Quit Registry Editor. 5. Restart Encarta Encyclopedia. NOTE: The Choose Web Browser and Choose Word Processor buttons, located in the Settings screen, should be disabled. The System Information button, located in the About Encarta screen, should also be disabled. Additional query words: multi multi-media media mm security ====================================================================== Keywords : kbenv kbui kbimu Technology : kbHomeProdSearch kbHomeMMsearch kbEncartaSearch kbEncartaEncycSearch kbEncartaEnCyc1997 kbEncartaEnCyc1997Del kbEncartaEnCyc1998 Version : WINDOWS: Issue type : kbhowto ============================================================================= THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY. Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1999.