Removing Windows Default Games

[3aFaReeT]

Dear All,

I've a task to remove all Windows Defualt games from our domain users (450)

what I've in mind is to right a batch file and specify in it all games file names and folder to get deleted with GP

is there any better way (Script or so) to reduce my work

[jonovate]

Yep.

There is a tool called sysocmgr.exe that each client has that is used for Adding/Removing windows components.

So basically you're running this command (from startup script):

sysocmgr.exe /i:%windir%\inf\sysoc.inf /u:"\\server\share\Games.txt"

The Games.txt file (call it whatever you like) should have this in it [do note Chat and MsnExplorer of course aren't games, but I removed them anyways]:

[Components]
chat = off
freecell = off
hearts = off
minesweeper = off
msnexplr = off
pinball = off
solitaire = off
spider = off
zonegames = off

[Joel]

  3aFaReeT said:

Dear All,

I've a task to remove all Windows Defualt games from our domain users (450)

what I've in mind is to right a batch file and specify in it all games file names and folder to get deleted with GP

is there any better way (Script or so) to reduce my work

FYI, Windows File Protection would just replace any deleted files like games.

[foxconn287]

If the 2nd post's advice was followed WFP would not kick in.

[Joel]

  foxconn287 said:

If the 2nd post's advice was followed WFP would not kick in.

I know, I was clearing up why the first post should not be followed.

[3aFaReeT]

  JJ6829 said:

Yep.

There is a tool called sysocmgr.exe that each client has that is used for Adding/Removing windows components.

So basically you're running this command (from startup script):

sysocmgr.exe /i:%windir%\inf\sysoc.inf /u:"\\server\share\Games.txt"

The Games.txt file (call it whatever you like) should have this in it [do note Chat and MsnExplorer of course aren't games, but I removed them anyways]:

[Components]
chat = off
freecell = off
hearts = off
minesweeper = off
msnexplr = off
pinball = off
solitaire = off
spider = off
zonegames = off

Hi all,

I've used the script above I was facing a little issue using it with Group Policy under Users configuration --> WIndows Settings --> Logon Script; it was requiring administrative rights to Run at the user's side.

then I've switched it to Computers Configuration --> Windows Settings --> Startup script so it seems to be working fine.

any other suggestion to run it under Users Configuration --> Windows Settings --> Logon Script but avoide the requirement for administrative rights....

thanks alot for all of u it reduced a big task from my HEAD ;)

[jonovate]

Leave it under Computer Config, as it will run under the SYSTEM (?) account. Like I wrote, it should be a startup Script as it changes the add/remove components conifg, which is computer side and not user.

[linttrap]

I have not been as lucky with this fix.

I have created the GP, but when I reboot my test pc, it launches freesol, and hangs. if you exit out, windows finishes loading. wtf?

any ideas?

Thanks

[krimzonskies]

what functional level is the domain/forest? i know if you're in server 2003 func level you can use file hashes or paths in a GPO to prohibit access to files programs being ran or installed.. so if you were to take the exe from solitaire and all the other standard games you could just block them from being ran that way.

or if you want to do a lotta work.. build a ris server with an image with the games deleted and other apps configured and setup then deploy that through your network.. but that would take some time but would be worth it in the end :)

just a couple ideas