start menu lock

hello, is it possible to lock the start menu with a password so only me,the user can access it,i have admin options for the main comp,but im leaving it in to get sorted and would like to restrict access to it,its win xp sp2,

 

>> Hello, is it possible to lock the start menu with a password so only me, the user can access it, I have admin options for the main comp, but im leaving it in to get sorted and would like to restrict access to it, its win xp sp2 <<

All versions of Windows store the Start Menu items in a special place on your hard disk. If you use Windows XP or Windows 2000, there are actually two physical folders which are used by Windows to display icons on your Start Menu: one is your personal folder, and the second one is the "common" folder, used to store the items common to all users of your computer.

You can "restrict access" to the Start Menu items by restricting access to such folders, (or to the shortcuts they contain). There are several security programs available that I know of; such as SafeSystem 2006 as well as Folder Guard, which can help users to safely "lock" and "unlock" the start menu and the shortcuts therein.

SafeSystem is a relatively "new" program on the market and is not as "well known" as Folder Guard. However, I tested SafeSystem when the program version 2.0 was released last year around Jan of 2006 and it proved to be a very capable security program for controlling user access to key Windows components, such as the Start Menu, Control Panel, Desktop and Explorer, Network and Taskbar.

I was also particularly impressed by the SafeSystem program's ability (when properly configured, of course) to prevent the change of configuration and the accidental or even intentional system files deletion or alteration.

SafeSystem 2006 is also the "less expensive" of the two - I believe it costs like 15-20 dollars. Folder Guard costs about twice as much as SafeSystem 2006. Both of these two programs provide a wide range of "access denial" capability for not only the Start Menu; but also for other areas as well for those who utilize them.

However, there are actually many such program, folder and shortcut "access denial" types of security programs out there on the web that can accomplish this task; therefore you might want to "shop around a bit" to pick a program that meets your specific security needs.

VERY Important Note: These programs are not the type that you just download and start using "willy-nilly" without knowing what you are actually doing - and especially without knowing exactly how to "reverse" any changes - first and foremost! Whatever security or "access denial" types of programs that you may try or use; I strongly suggest a thorough read of the included HELP files prior to using these types of utilities or making any changes; not only for safety reasons, but to get the most out of the programs as well!

Good Luck!

 

thanks for the info,as usual i replied in the wrong page first,i will keep it in mind that im a novice before making any changes,cheers jason