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Distributing Custom Modifications to 4000 Windows Boxen?

kenp2002 asks: "I recently tried to disable my Sleep Key on a Dell GX150. I found several ways to do this manually, but now I have to find a way to script a solution to do this on over 4000 machines! I tried keyboard re-mapping both through tools (which didn't see any ACPI keys) and through Microsoft's documentation (the old HKLM\Keyboard Layout change). Does anyone know of a solution on how to either remap or disable the Sleep key through a script or a really good internet resource where I can find information on issues like this? Keyboard filter drivers are not an option unless it can auto-install itself."

"I am on several Linux mailing lists but have never found a good NT mailing list where I can ask such questions from other admins.

I am stumped and Appdeploy wasn't much help, either.

I must prevent users from putting the machine into suspend and amazingly Microsoft will prevent a user, through administrative policy, from turning the machine off, but not suspending it! Any suggestions would greatly reduce my stress level and earn my eternal gratitude. "

2 of 70 comments (clear)

  1. Easy by stu_coates · · Score: 5, Funny

    Software to 4000+ boxes... easy, just install Outlook, a few choice lines of script.. well, it works for a load of viruses anyway! ;-)


  2. In a domain? by AnalogBoy · · Score: 5, Informative

    What i would try:

    1: Use a pro duct called "Advanced Registry Tracer" [search for it, you'll find it] to see the registry change made when you modify it from the Power options > Advanced control panel applet (granted you're using 2000 or XP). On a side note, ART is a kickass tool. There are many handy little uses for it.

    2: If you are in a domain, simply assign a startup script. Execute a batchfile which updates the registry via a .reg file. Simply drop a token file out somewhere and run an if loop to prevent it from having to do it each and every time. If you're not in a domain, hire cheap help...