User Group Policy - Start Menu and Taskbar

Group Policy - Start Menu and Taskbar

Here is a classic selection of policies to shape the users experience of Windows XP or 2000 Professional.  Combine the science of securing the desktop, with the joy of mastering Group Policy settings.

Group Policy Topics

Administrative Templates

     Windows Components

          Start Menu and Taskbar (Note Taskbar not Task Manager)

* Guy's Top Three Group Policies

• Remove the Run Command
• Add Logoff to the Start Menu
• Remove my Network Places
• Summary of Group Policies for Start Menu

Start Menu and Taskbar (Note Taskbar not Task Manager)

These Start Menu settings remind me of where policies started - with Poledit and NT 4.0.  In this section, there are over twenty policies which just remove programs or folders from the Start Menu.  Take as an example, * 'Remove Run menu from Start Menu'.  Ask yourself, 'Do my users need this capability?'  If you answer in the negative, then they have no business purpose for the Run Box'.  However if you remove this feature, then be sure to make all their programs available from the Start Menu.

Troubleshooting Group Policies is tricky.  As an MCT trainer, I can thoroughly recommend TrainSignal because they provide practical hands on training.  In particular, I like the way TrainSignal cover all learning methods, instructor lead, video and of course text material.  You can either take one module, for example Group Policy or go for a combination of modules.  See more about Group Policy training here

Start Menu and Taskbar - Recommendations

Rather like putting blinkers on horses, restricting places such as: * My Network Places, My Music, Search and All Programs List, may make your users run faster!   If you warm to this 'Mr Nasty' theme, then you could remove the clock and even hide the notification area.

In amongst all the restrictive settings is one positive item that I thoroughly recommend: * 'Add Logoff to the start menu'.

I have to say there are some 'Luddite' settings that I would not want on my network, like 'Force classic Start Menu', or 'Prevent Grouping of Taskbar items'.

'Remove Logoff from the Start Menu', is an example of specialist Group Policy for particular circumstance.  For example, you have a Kiosk or public area machine and you want only a special user to be logged on.  (One who is heavily restricted!)

Summary of Group Policy Start Menu and Taskbar

Here is where you can set Group Policies to control the user's start Menu and Taskbar.  For example, consider removing the run command.  You can also be pro-active and add settings such as the Logoff button.

Next: Windows Settings,  Desktop