Blocking Console Messages?

[NcCorduan]

Hello!

I work in the IS department of a university, and we're having some problems with an instructional computer lab that's used by the computer science department. The students are just savvy enough to have figured out how to disrupt their class time by sending console messages to the PC the instructor is using attached to a projector to demonstrate software functions to them.

As you can imagine, the professors have asked us to help stop the messages!

The first thing we've done is to block the students from using the NET command using a security setting on the GPO (don't allow Windows applications to run...). That's taken care of most of it, but it's not ideal, and I'm hoping that some of you might be able to help with the remaining problems:

1) NET SEND is obviously not the only way to send a console message. The students can also do it through computer management. Is there any way to block the receipt or the sending of console messages through computer management?

2) There are other functions of the NET command which might end up being useful to the students. Is there any way to block NET SEND but not other sub-commands of NET?

Thanks for any help!!

NickC---

 

[jeremybarker]

Go into the control panel and open administrative tools, then services. There is a service called messenger, r-click it and select properties. Select startup type as disabled and stop the service that's currently running. That should solve your problem. HTH

 

[wolluf]

What age are these students? (University - adults?). Can't you just talk to them - asking them not to disrupt demonstrations?

 

[Cadwalader]

No kidding! I agree with jeremybarker. Just disable it. Hope I was of some help...
--OR--
Thanks for the help...
--Rich