Prevent Users from Shutting Down Vista

Among the restrictions you may want to impose on others who use your computer is that of shutting down Windows. For instance, if you're logging in remotely, you'll want to make sure that your PC is always on.

Or, if you're setting up a system to be used by the public, you won't want to allow anyone to shut down or reboot the system in an effort to compromise it. Here's how to do it.

1) Open the Registry Editor.

2) Expand the branches to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer.

3) Create a new DWORD value by going to Edit ➝ New ➝ DWORD (32-bit) Value, and type NoClose for its name.

4) Double-click the new NoClose value and type 1 for its data.

5) Close the Registry Editor when you’re done. You’ll need to restart Windows for this change to take effect.

Keep in mind that this isn't a bulletproof solution. For instance, anyone will be able to shut down Windows by pressing Ctrl-Alt-Del and clicking Shut Down there. Also, someone with ready access to your computer's on/off switch, reset button, or power cord will be able to circumvent this restriction.

At the very least, though, it'll provide some reasonable assurance that your PC will remain powered on.