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TN IT223 How to Enable your Taskbar again after EnableDisableKeys() function using the Group Policy Editor

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Description

 

This article from InSource shows wow to Enable your Taskbar again after EnableDisableKeys() function.  The focus on this technote is how to accomplish this in Windows without having to deal with InTouch. 

  • Author: Glenn Yancey
  • Published: 08/30/2016
  • Applies to: InTouch and Windows OS (XP and Higher)

Details

The EnableDisableKeys() is one of the most powerful functions that can be used to restrict the access of an operator within an Operating System.   
For more information on how to set this function up as well as learning its syntax, click here.

When a user logs in, this function might be used to restrict the operator's use of the AltKey, EscKey, and WinKey on the keyboard.   This can prevent the following keyboard combinations.

  • Cntrl + Alt + Del
  • Alt + F4
  • Alt + Tab
  • Cntrl + Esc

Another functionality that is disabled in this process with this function is your ability to use the Task Manager.  In fact, the task manager might be greyed out when you try to access the Task Manager. 

To get around this, you can do the following (which does NOT require you having to muck with the registry).

Using Gpedit.msc to enable Task Manager from the Group Policy Editor 

The Group Policy Editor is a feature in Windows which is used to edit local policy settings. It can also be used to enable Task Manager if disabled by the EnableDisableKeys() function in InTouch. To do so, just follow the steps given below:-

  1. Open Start Menu.
    • Windows XP users click on Run.

      OR
       
    • Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 and Vista users, go to Search. Alternatively, press Windows key + R (your Win key might be disabled, but I thought that I would still expose the shortcut for future purposes)
  2. Type gpedit.msc and press Enter. Group Policy Editor Window will show up.
  3. From the navigational pane at the left hand side, go to: User Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Ctrl+Alt+Del Options.
     

gpedit1.jpg

4. In the dialog box, double click on "Remove Task Manager" and set its value to Disabled.

gpedit2.jpg

5. You MAY have to restart your computer for this to take effect, but it may also take affect immediately depending on the Operating System.