How to disable the use of USB storage devices (823732)

SUMMARY

This article discusses two methods that you can use to prevent users from connecting to a USB storage device.

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To Disable the Use of USB Storage Devices

To disable the use of USB storage devices, use one or more of the following procedures, as appropriate to your situation:

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If a USB Storage Device Is Not Already Installed on the Computer

If a USB storage device is not already installed on the computer, assign the user or the group Deny permissions to the following files:

• %SystemRoot%\Inf\Usbstor.pnf
• %SystemRoot%\Inf\Usbstor.inf

When you do so, users cannot install a USB storage device on the computer. To assign a user or group Deny permissions to the Usbstor.pnf and Usbstor.inf files, follow these steps:

1. Start Windows Explorer, and then locate the %SystemRoot%\Inf folder.
2. Right-click the Usbstor.pnf file, and then click Properties.
3. Click the Security tab.
4. In the Group or user names list, click the user or group that you want to set Deny permissions for.
5. In the Permissions for UserName or GroupName list, click to select the Deny check box next to Full Control, and then click OK.
   Note In addition, add the System account to the Deny list.
6. Right-click the Usbstor.inf file, and then click Properties.
7. Click the Security tab.
8. In the Group or user names list, click the user or group that you want to set Deny permissions for.
9. In the Permissions for UserName or GroupName list, click to select the Deny check box next to Full Control, and then click OK.

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If a USB Storage Device Is Already Installed on the Computer

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. If a USB storage device is already installed on the computer, set the Start value in the following registry key to 4: When you do so, the USB storage device does not work when the user connects the device to the computer. To set the Start value, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK.
3. Locate, and then click the following registry key:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\UsbStor

4. In the right pane, double-click Start.
5. In the Value data box, type 4, click Hexadecimal (if it is not already selected), and then click OK.
6. Quit Registry Editor.

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