Desktop Security Settings

Windows XP

Summary:
  1.  Password-Protect All Accounts on your Computer
  2.  Disable the Windows XP Guest Account
  3.  Disable Unnecessary System Services
  4.  Reset Internet Explorer Security Settings to default
  5.  Disable File and Print Sharing

  1. Password-Protect All Accounts on your Computer

    UD Tip How to choose a Strong Password

    • Set / Change User Account Passwords: 
          1.  Go to the Start menu and choose Control Panel
        (or Settings-Control Panel if the Classic Start Menu is used). 
    2.  Double-click the User Accounts icon. 
    3.  Pick an account and click Create or Change Password. 
    4.  You may need to type the current password and then supply a new password twice. 
    5.  Repeat this step for any other accounts on your computer.
    • Set / Change the Administrator Account password: 
            Faculty/Staff:  If your department has computer support personnel (CITAs),
	  please check with them first before completing this step.
	
    1.  Boot the computer in Safe Mode by turning the machine on and immediately pressing the F8 key several
        times until the Advanced Windows menu appears.  
    2.  Use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode and press the ENTER key. 
    3.  At the login screen, click on the Administrator icon and type in the password
        (or hit ENTER if the password has not been previously set.)
        If you do not see an Administrator icon, type in the username Administrator         
    4.  Change the password for this account as described above.

  2. Disable the Windows XP Guest Account

    This prevents users without an account on your computer from logging in remotely or locally. 
        1.  Go to the Start menu and choose Control Panel
        (or Settings-Control Panel if the Classic Start Menu is used).
    2.  Select User Accounts. 
    3.  If the Guest Account is turned on, select Guest Account.
    4.  Select Turn off the Guest Account.
    5.  Exit out of User Accounts.

  3. Disable Unnecessary Services in Windows XP

        Faculty/Staff:  Make sure you do not need any of these services before disabling them.
      Contact the Help Center, or if your department has computer support personnel (CITAs),
      please check with them first before completing this step.
	
   1.  Right-click this link and select 'Save Link Target as...' and save the file to your desktop. 
   2.  Double click DisableServices.bat to execute. 
   3.  Hit any key to continue as prompted. 
   4.  The window will close automatically. 
   5.  Restart the computer.

  4. Reset Internet Explorer Security Settings to the Default configuration 

        1.  Open the Internet Explorer browser.
    2.  Go to Tools-Internet Options.  
    3.  Click on the Security tab.
    4.  Click on the Internet Zone icon to highlight it.  Click on the Default Level button if it is not grayed out.
    5.  Repeat this step for Local Intranet, Trusted Sites and Restricted Zones.
    6.  Click on the Advanced Tab and click Restore Defaults.
    7.  Click OK to close the window.

  5. Disable File and Print Sharing

       
 Faculty/Staff:  Make sure you do not need these services before disabling them. 
    Contact the Help Center, or if your department has computer support personnel (CITAs), 
    please check with them first before completing this step.
	 
    1.  Open the Network Control Panel.
    2.  Choose the "Local Area Connection" - Right-click on it and select "Properties".
    3.  Uncheck the box next to "File and Print Sharing for Microsoft Networks" to disable this service.

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