JSI Tip 7093. How do I prevent the use of USB Storage Devices in Windows XP?

To disable the use of USB Storage Devices on a computer running Windows XP, use one of the following:

A USB Storage Device is NOT already installed:

1. Open Windows Explorer or My Computer.

2. Navigate to the %SystemRoot%Inf folder.

3. Right-click the Usbstor.pnf file and press Properties.

4. Select the Security tab.

5. In the Group or user names list, select the user or group that you wish to Deny access to and check the Deny box next to Full Control in the Permissions for UserName or GroupName list.

6. Press OK.

7. Right-click the Usbstor.inf file and press Properties.

8. Repeat steps 4 - 6.

A USB Storage Device is already installed:

1. Use the Registry Editor to navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesUSBSTOR.

2. Double-click the Start Value Name in the right-hand pane, a REG_DWORD data type, and set the data value to 4 (Disabled).

3. Press OK.

4. Exit the Registry Editor.