Can I block one user in WindowsXP from internet access

[EdGy]

I want to set up a user account for my kids so they have access to the computer and all the programs, but don't have access to the internet.

Is there any way in Windows XP to have a user account set up so it cannot access the internet at all. I'm connected via DSL.

Thanks!

[salvorhardin]

1. This should help you out

http://www.petri.co.il/block_web_browsing_with_ipsec.htm

[EdGy]

2. thanks, but I need something different

sorry I didn't explain more clearly.

I want to set it up so that some users of the computer CAN access the internet, while others can't.

So I'm trying to see if there's any way to block just one or two particular user accounts on one computer while allowing others on that same computer to access the internet...

[salvorhardin]

6. Sorry... I see you specified that in your original message

I jumped the gun there.

I asked a buddy who administers a large network of XP machines for work and he wasn't even sure this could be done, especially not if you're running XP Home. XP is pretty much meant to be used on client machines.

Short of upgrading to Linux, which I'm sure you want to do about as much as you want to shoot yourself in the foot, the simplest solution would be to spend $30 on something like NetNanny.

[TroubleMan]

3. You could probably go into the registry and....

deny access to that user for the main registry keys for Internet explorer. This is pure conjecture on my part, but I think it would work.


Oh wait...do you have a firewall, and if so what type? Some firewalls can do this.

[welshTerrier2]

4. call your ISP ...

your DSL service provider might be able to help you setup a username and password to login to your DSL modem ... to create an internet connection through the modem, e.g. when you first open a browser, you would be prompted to provide the username / password ... if you don't have it, the modem would not connect ...

i've never done this but i think it should work ...

[democracyindanger]

5. This might work

http://forums.devshed.com/archive/t-129803

But as the writer says, it'll block everybody except the admin user. You could give the admin password to everyone except the kids and achieve your ends that way.

If it's too complicated, there's software that you could buy that'll do it. Windows XP itself doesn't seem to have an easy way to restrict access.

[jayfish]

7. This Might Help

Assign a fake proxy server (127.0.0.1) to the user accounts you want to block access to. I think this setting is user specific but I could be wrong. To set the proxy info:

Right-click the IE icon on your desktop.
Select "properties"
Select the "connections" tab
Select "LAN Settings"
Check the box marked "Use a Proxy Server For You LAN"
Enter 127.0.0.1 as the server address
Click "OK" 2x

You may want to log back into your account and make sure the setting did not migrate. The only problem with this is that your users may be able to figure-out how to correct it.


Jay

[EdGy]

8. thanks everyone!

thanks to all for your suggestions.

Bottom line is that it's not very easy or straightforward to do this... I'll try some of your suggestions.

ed

[Metatron]

9. Using XP Pro's Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) might work

"When you launch gredit.msc (by going to Start > Run and typing gpedit.msc and pressing enter) it will open an Explorer window with a tree in the left pane. Clicking on any item in the left pane will produce a list of items or folders of items in the right pane. At the bottom of the right pane are two tabs. I would recommend selecting the one that reads extended as this will give you an explanation of the item selected in the right pane. The explanation states what the setting relates to and what options are available.

Note that in the left pane, there is a heading Computer Settings and one called User Settings. As may be expected, setting configured under the first will apply system wide, while User Settings apply to individual Users. Where there is a conflict between the two, the computer setting will revail.

The Group Policy Editor (or gpedit.msc) includes a Help Menu for further assistance on how to use it and what you need to consider in selecting options. "
From PC World http://www.helpscreen.com.au/index.php?msgid=418930967&cid=15
(BTW, I have no idea what "revail" means.)

[EdGy]

10. I have XP Home

doesn't come with gpedit.msc...

Thanks anyway. I'll keep searching