Default Browser Registry Setting? WinXP Pro

Hey all,

I have a question concerning windows xp pro and its default browser. Where does windows store this information (assuming it's in the registry). my goal is to set the default browser, for all users, to internet explorer wether the account is local or roaming. so in otherwords is there a way to set the defaul browser to IE and have that setting overide other settings that involve local/roaming accounts?

Thank you,
Jon

 

Yes, use gpedit.msc and set group user policies or computer policies. You can get the computer pretty tight that way. Without getting into the *whole Policy class* just type gpedit.msc into the start/ run and do some reading before making any major changes.

good luck

 

Actualy, I have had quite a bit of experience with the group policy management console these past couple of months and am having no luck finding the "right" setting, if there is such a setting, to get these machines tweaked just right. I have looked through the gpedit.msc multiple times and have found nothing that seems to apply other than a setting to prevent the changing of the default browser and that is a little bit off course.

Apology: I'm sorry I don't have a very long attention span, I tend to lack on the grammar and time spent on these posts. TY for not flaming me :-D

*Hardware/Software Info*
Windows XP Pro SP2 with all patches, except kb88520
on MPC 1.7 Ghz M P4 laptops 256 megs ram
*Hardware/Software Info*

 

OK this is how you do it. First, disable the execution of any .exe files. That alone wil keep them from installing anything, to include a different browser. Second. go back to gpedit and follow this User Configuration - Administrative Templates - Windows Components - Internet Explorer - Internet Control Panel There you will see an option to "Disable the Programs page". This will remove the tab that allows a user to change the default web site. If you set it as IE and then remove the tab, they shouldn't be able to change it. Depending on how yo employ your network, you should also set it same setting on Computer Configuration. It will be the same path all the way down.

Good luck

 

dedub - that doesn't really solve the problem - he's still forced to manually set the default browser to IE, then he prevents users from changing that. Ideally, you'd want to set IE as the default browser through group policy, then prevent changes once that's in place.

I'm looking for a way to do this as well... we were using Firefox, but thanks the company that does our database application, we have to use an activex control for crystal reports, which, as we know, won't work with Firefox.

I'll reply back here if I find a way to do it.

 

Ah, you understand me! Excellent! I am still looking for the answer also so I will post back if I have any luck.

TY, mecroneo

 

I'm looking for the same thing -- basically use GP to force a default browser (IE, Opera, Firefox, whatever)...

I imagine there's a registry hack to do this. I'll post something if I find it.

 

Well, here's something: http://www.pc-tools.net/win32/freeware/setbrowser/

 

dont use any other browsers on the computers. then they have no choice but to use ie.

 

OK, after digging a little more I might have another lead. Again, depending on how you deploy your user computers (domain or standalone) this might work. go to add remove programs in control panel. Click "Set Programs access and defaults" and set the Browser for IE. Then as I stated before, go to User Configuration - Administrative Templates - Windows Components - Internet Explorer - Internet Control Panel There you will see an option to "Disable the Programs page". This will remove the tab that allows a user to change the default web Browser. Also, make their accounts regular users so they cannot even install a different browser, and you could even remove the "Add Remove Programs" Icon in Control Panel through G.P. so they could not get to it.
If Im way off let me know