How to prevent starting TaskManager in my Desktop?

Question

Hi,

I am creating a new Desktop in Windows XP/Vista and 7 using win32 API. This is more like having a secure Desktop and I don't want let any other application to be executed in that Desktop.

Well, in Windows XP if I press strg+shift+Esc or strg+alt+ent, in the Desktop which I created, I don't see the task manger on my Desktop but instead on the Default Desktop.

Well, that's ok, but in Windows Vista, doing the same I get the task manager in my Desktop where the user can start another application using File->New task (Run...) menu.

Here is my question, what is the best way to prevent task manager to be displayed in the desktop which I created or even prevent starting it?

1) using the registry key, 2) capturing the key strokes? 3) what else???

Thanks in advance! Gohlool

Answer 1

rename taskman.exe to somthing else.

Answer 2

This probably isn't the best solution, but you could always monitor for task manager and close it

foreach (Process clsProcess in Process.GetProcesses()) {
     if (clsProcess.ProcessName.StartsWith("taskmgr"))
     {
      clsProcess.Kill();
      return true;
     }
    }

Code is in C#

Answer 3

Group Policy is your friend. Here's how to disable it.

Answer 4

See my solution to how-do-i-stop-an-application-from-opening This will work fine, I just tested it.

Answer 5

I assume you are calling CreateDesktop, if so, you should be able to lock down that desktop with a security descriptor that only allows access to your program