If you do not know what you do in the registry, you can damage your computer pretty good.Today we show you how to prevent users from accessing the registry and make changes to it.

Using Policy Editor Local Group

Note: This method uses Group Policy Editor which is not available in versions of Windows Home.

first type gpedit.msc in the Search box on the Start menu.

When Group Policy Editor opens, navigate to User Configuration \ Administrative Templates and select System. Under Setting in the right pane double-click Prevent access to registry editing tools.

Select the radio button next to Enabled, click OK, then close out of Group Policy Editor.

Now if a user tries to access the Registry…

They will get the following message advising they cannot access it.

Using Registry Enabler & Disabler 3

If you’re using Home or Starter version of Windows 7, you can use a neat utility called Registry Enabler & Disabler (link below). This app works on XP and Vista as well.

There is no installation involved so you can run it from a flash drive, disable the registry, then take the flash drive with you while a the user is on the machine.

Again, if the user tries to access the Registry they will get the following error…

Using one of these options will stop users from gaining access to the Registry or running any registry hacks. Of course if you have a shared computer, you may want to set up other users with a Standard Account, as they won’t be able to make changes to the Registry anyway.

Download Registry Enabler & Disabler 3

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Don’t like the Windows 7 Media Center ? Many reason would include you using your PC for business rather then movies. Or you just don’t want it at all. This is how you can Remove Windows 7 Media Center.

Turn Off WMC Using Programs and Features

Probably the most convenient way to disable the Windows 7 Media Player is through the Control panel. Open Control Panel and select Programs and Features.

On the left hand panel click on Turn Windows Features on or off.

Go to Media Features and expand the folder. Then Uncheck Windows Media Center…

Verification message will pop up making sure if you want to disable it, click Yes.

Then the box next to Windows Media Center will be empty. Click OK.

To complete the process you must reboot.

After getting back from the restart, the WMC icon will be gone and there won’t be any way to launch it.

Re-enable WMC

If you want to re-enable it, just go back in and re check it.

Again you’ll need to wait while it’s configured, but when it’s done, a restart is not required.

Disable Media Center Using Group Policy

Note: This process uses Group Policy Editor which is not available in Home versions of Windows 7.

Click on the Start menu and type gpedit.msc into the Search box and hit Enter.

Now navigate to User Configuration \ Administrative Templates \ Windows Components \ Windows Media Center.

Double-click on Do not allow Windows Media Center to run. Then select the radio button next to Enabled, click OK and close out of Group Policy Editor.

Now if a user tries to launch WMC they will get the following message.

Conclusion

A pretty easy step if you dont want the Windows 7 Media Center. I personally do not use it either. VLC works just fine for me.

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