How to stop users from deleting a Wireless connection in Windows XP

Question

After setting up a wireless connection in Windows XP SP2 with the built in Dell Wireless 1470 Dual Band WLAN Mini-PCI Card on a Dell D610 Laptop, users and members of the power users group are able to delete that connection.

In Control Panel, Network Connections:

with a normal LAN connection, users are prevented from deleting or modifying any of the configuration settings on the General tab. Only those who are members of the Administrators group can change these settings.

with a Wireless Network Connection, users and those who are members of the power users group have full administrative rights to the Wireless Networks tab.

For example:

In Control Panel, Network Connections, right click on Wireless Network Connection, Properties, Wireless Netwoks tab, Preferred Networks. By clicking on the Remove button, users and power users can delete the connection.

Does anyone know of a way or know of a group polcy that could prevent this from happening?

Thanks.

100mph · Answer

Related:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/community/columns/cableguy/cg0703.mspx

http://technet2.microsoft.com/WindowsServer/en/library/f0cc137b-7f11-4d6a-8dab-8b64ef44f6b51033.mspx?mfr=true

http://www.petri.co.il/creating_wireless_gpo_settings.htm

jmwills · Answer

There should be something in Group Policy that would stop them or change thier account.  Why are they Power Users?

itservicedesk · Answer

Thanks for this information, the documentation provides instructions on how to use a wireless group policy to define and configure a wireless connection which is very useful but it does not stop users from deleting that connection. This is the most important aspect.

jmwills · Answer

Again I ask, why are they Power Users?

itservicedesk · Answer

The Power Users group is irrelevant, I was merely saying that ordinary users and power users are able to delete the connection. I want to stop users and power users from doing this.

jmwills · Answer

Ok Bk, have it your way.

itservicedesk · Answer

Nobody seems to have an answer to this problem. Any experts out there?

Windows General

How to stop users from deleting a Wireless connection in Windows XP

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