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How to disable USB ports in Windows XP?

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by IvanH, 2008/10/30.

  1. 2008/10/30
    IvanH

    IvanH Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Is there a way to remotely disable USB ports from using unauthorized USB devices in Windows XP by a system administrator? Say, by changing Registry, use specific device driver, or using software.
     
  2. 2008/10/30
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

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    Hi Ivan. Follow this method to disable the use of a USB storage device when the user connects the device to the computer.

    1. Click Start, and then click Run.
    2. In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK.
    3. Locate, and then click the following registry key:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\UsbStor

    4. In the right pane, double-click Start.
    5. In the Value data box, type 4, click Hexadecimal (if it is not already
    selected), and then click OK.
    6. Quit Registry Editor.
    7. Restart Windows.

    If this method doesn't work for you, you can try going into device manager and under USB controllers you can try disabling them from there.

    If neither of those methods work then go into your computer BIOS and disable the USB ports.
     

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  4. 2008/10/31
    Steve R Jones

    Steve R Jones SuperGeek Staff

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  5. 2008/11/01
    IvanH

    IvanH Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Thank you Evan Omo and Steve for your methods. They work fine on a single computer. But I have about 200 PCs in widespread locations. Is that a effective way to do it on all of them together, such as group policy? What about if the PCs are running under VM mode?
     

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