Error message when you try to open Task Manager on a Windows XP-based computer: "Task Manager has been disabled by your Administrator" (913623)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Important This article contains information about how to modify the registry. Make sure to back up the registry before you modify it. Make sure that you know how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up, restore, and modify the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows registry

SYMPTOMS

When you try to open Task Manager on a Microsoft Windows XP-based computer, you receive the following error message:
Task Manager has been disabled by your Administrator.

CAUSE

This issue occurs when one of the following conditions is true:
  • The local administrator disabled Task Manager by modifying the DisableTaskMgr registry entry.
  • The domain administrator disabled Task Manager by using Group Policy.
  • A virus or a third-party program disabled Task Manager by modifying the DisableTaskMgr registry entry.
  • The current user account has restricted permissions.

RESOLUTION

Warning Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might require that you reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.To resolve this issue, set the value of the DisableTaskMgr registry entry to 0 (zero).

Note This registry entry will revert to its original setting, and Task Manager will be disabled again unless one of the following actions is performed:
  • The Group Policy setting is changed on the domain.
  • The local policy setting is changed on the client.
To set the DisableTaskMgr registry entry value to 0 for a specific user, follow these steps:
  1. Log off from the computer.
  2. Log on to the computer by using a user account that has administrative permissions.
  3. Click Start, click Run, type regedit in the Open box, and then click OK.
  4. In the left pane, click the following registry subkey:

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System

  5. In the right pane, double-click DisableTaskMgr.
  6. In the Value data box, type 0, and then click OK.
  7. On the File menu, click Exit.
  8. Restart the computer.
To set the DisableTaskMgr registry entry value to 0 for all users, follow these steps:
  1. Log off from the computer.
  2. Log on to the computer by using a user account that has administrative permissions.
  3. Click Start, click Run, type regedit in the Open box, and then click OK.
  4. In the left pane, click the following registry subkey:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System

  5. In the right pane, double-click DisableTaskMgr.
  6. In the Value data box, type 0, and then click OK.
  7. On the File menu, click Exit.
  8. Restart the computer.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:2/23/2006
Keywords:kbtshoot KB913623 kbAudEndUser kbAudITPRO
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