Thread: How to enable/disable USB ports

Hi,

I want to know how to enable/disable usb ports...
For eg: Suppose i want to prevent the users to connect any usb devices in the system. How can i do that??

Thanks
Manoj

hi friend,

try this:

ok, on the desktop, right click on MY COMPUTER, and then select MANAGE option. a new window will appear, in that select SYSTEM TOOLS, in that click on DEVICE MANAGER, on the right side of the window pane, a list wil appear,
that will show u the components attached to your system, in that select the USB port, right click and diable the port.

well, i do not have admin right to check this in office. but following this way, i used to diable various hard disk partitions, CD-ROM, floppy disk.

so try it, i think it will work.

regards,
RSY

start>>settings>>controlpannel>>system>>hardware>>devise manager>>look for the usb port in the list and select it then you can see an option disable or enable accordingly on the tool bar

hi
thanks for providing this information i was searching for usb ports disable option know i got an idea how to disable usb ports thanks

Its difficult to go to each computer to disable the usb port... The way they have done in my company is they have diable the USB drives but my system is detecting the Usb keyboard and all...

Guys do you have any idea how they have done it... But i heard that USB drive permissions cannot be done through Group Policy in windows...

Thanks
Manoj

Go to run and type devmgmt.msc in that click universal serialbus controllers,right click on the sub menus and disable it....

Hi Team,

I read in one of the Article on Microsoft Website which tells you How to Disable Storage Devices.All you need to do is changes in Registry key would disable the device,but before changing any keys in registry read this note

"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:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\UsbStor

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.

Let me know How it worked for you.

Regards,
Sridevi

Originally Posted by Sridevichitthu

Hi Team,

I read in one of the Article on Microsoft Website which tells you How to Disable Storage Devices.All you need to do is changes in Registry key would disable the device,but before changing any keys in registry read this note

"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:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\UsbStor

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.

Let me know How it worked for you.

Regards,
Sridevi

Thanks for the input....have tried it in my pc and works well. have a vista and the USB is nt even recogonised it i have changed the Store vale from 3 to 4.

but can any one tell me how to do the same in group policy...

Hi mem,

There is no folder with the name of "Services" under CurrentControlSet in the following path in WinXP SP2. I think it will be in WinXP SP3.
Any how thanks for your advise.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\UsbStor


***********************************************

Originally Posted by Sridevichitthu

Hi Team,

I read in one of the Article on Microsoft Website which tells you How to Disable Storage Devices.All you need to do is changes in Registry key would disable the device,but before changing any keys in registry read this note

"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:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\UsbStor

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.

Let me know How it worked for you.

Regards,
Sridevi

HI Ashwad,

have u find the path of usbstore in xp2.

However i have find this folder in XP as well, but it needs to be checked out in xp2. please update once u get path.
(Screenshot is attached)

Originally Posted by ashwadreddy

Hi mem,

There is no folder with the name of "Services" under CurrentControlSet in the following path in WinXP SP2. I think it will be in WinXP SP3.
Any how thanks for your advise.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\UsbStor


***********************************************

Right SRIDEVI, that is the best one, i am using it in my organization.



Thanks & regards

Mohit Sharma

Originally Posted by Sridevichitthu

Hi Team,

I read in one of the Article on Microsoft Website which tells you How to Disable Storage Devices.All you need to do is changes in Registry key would disable the device,but before changing any keys in registry read this note

"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:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\UsbStor

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.

Let me know How it worked for you.

Regards,
Sridevi

USB ports can be disabled in BIOS.You can also disable USB ports Through device manager in Windows

Please helppp...
I disabled I guess all usb ports on my stationary computer, my mouse and keyboard dont work... how do I enable it back? please help...
I cannot slick start, nothing works... can I do it in bios?

YES YOU CAN OFCOURSE DO IT IN BIOS.
GO TO ADVANCED SETTINGS OPTION AND THEN ENABLE OR DISABLE USB PORTS WHATEVER IS SUITABLE FOR YOU.

thanks amir

Originally Posted by Manojks

Hi,

I want to know how to enable/disable usb ports...
For eg: Suppose i want to prevent the users to connect any usb devices in the system. How can i do that??

Thanks
Manoj

hi here is the simply way to block USB port try this,..................

To disable the access to USB port, in windows XP and 2000:
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.

To re-enable a disabled port:

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 3, click Hexadecimal (if it is not already selected), and then click OK.
6. Quit Registry Editor.

Thank U
babashaan.

right click on MY COMPUTER, and then select MANAGE option. a new window will appear, in that select SYSTEM TOOLS, in that click on DEVICE MANAGER, on the right side of the window pane, a list wil appear,
that will show u the components attached to your system, in that select the USB port, right click and diable the port.

To disable the access to USB port, in windows XP and 2000, follow the steps below
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.

To re-enable a disabled port, follow these steps below
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 3, click Hexadecimal (if it is not already selected), and then click OK.
6. Quit Registry Editor

Follow the steps to enable USB ports:

1. Go to run in the start menu and type regedit and click ok.
2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE --> SYSTEM --> CurrentControlSet -->
Services --> USBSTOR
3. Now right click on USBSTOR and go to Permissions and give Full Control to yourself and click OK.
4. In the right panel, right click. A New prompt will come. Select DWORD Value and rename it to Start.
5. Now double click on Start and key in Value data as 3 and click OK.
6. Quit Registry Editor.

when i plugged a pen driver then no symble show at the buttom bar.

FOR ENABLING
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_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesUsbStor
4. In the details 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. Exit Registry Editor.

FOR DISABLING

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_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesUsbStor
4. In the right pane, double-click Start.
5. In the Value data box, type 3, click Hexadecimal (if it is not already selected), and then click OK.
6. Quit Registry Editor.

Originally Posted by naidu.swati

FOR ENABLING
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_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesUsbStor
4. In the details 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. Exit Registry Editor.

FOR DISABLING

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_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesUsbStor
4. In the right pane, double-click Start.
5. In the Value data box, type 3, click Hexadecimal (if it is not already selected), and then click OK.
6. Quit Registry Editor.

Hi Swati, i think u hav explained in other way around.
your first 6 steps shd be for Disable and the other 6 steps shd be for Enablement. Hope you can correct urself.

Well we can enable/disable usb ports when the system boots press f2 to go bios settings in that u can .

Select my computer Icon right click and go to Manage Option, click device Manager and click Universal serial bus controllers and right click each USB port and disable it. same process for disable the USB.

[QUOTE=jaydatech;43642]hi i try 2 enebal da usb port on my laptop wit sum of instruction i got like enebaling it through da registry...but it stil could nt go...plz help...

To configure a remote machine (named machinename) from the command-line in XP as a domain admin.

sc \\machinename config USBSTOR start= disabled

to re-enable

sc \\machinename config USBSTOR start= demand

To view the current configuration of the USBSTOR service

sc \\machinename qc USBSTOR

Use a software to enable/disable USB ports is very easy, it is Disable USB Ports Tool - disable or block USB storage device, set USB ports to read only and it can control more computers in 1 network.

Enable/Disable USB access in local/remote computer using a smart way...

Use IntelliAdmin Remote USB disabler. Hope this will help.

at my workplace we also use a software to block/allow/read only devices and ports, it's called Endpoint Protector 4

There are several ways to do so.I'm mentionaing a few :
1) disabling via device manager
2) through bios commands
3) uninstalling the drivers :RECOMMENDED : this is the best way as no advanced user can enable rather change the settings without your permission as with other options a geek as me can possibly tweak the system and egt the USB access.
4) by edting registry using regedit command.


Hope it helps you.
RegaRDS

thx great

Right click on My computers -> manage -> devicemanager -> universalserial bus cotrol then right click on and enable / disable.

Dear Tem,

How to enable/disable USB ports on win xp pro

how disable usb port for power user

Hi,

To disable the access to USB port, in windows XP follow the steps below

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.

To re-enable a disabled port, follow these steps below

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 3, click Hexadecimal (if it is not already selected), and then click OK.
6. Quit Registry Editor


Thanks,
Riju.

The USB port is disabled to write to Jumpdrive but can read from Jumpdrive. (windowsXP service pack 3)

I follow the steps below and value is 3. What else I should do/check? Thanks!

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 3, click Hexadecimal (if it is not already selected), and then click OK.
6. Quit Registry Editor

Originally Posted by Manojks

Hi,

I want to know how to enable/disable usb ports...
For eg: Suppose i want to prevent the users to connect any usb devices in the system. How can i do that??

Thanks
Manoj

Hi,
sudarshan heir, to enable & desable the USB go to device manager there u can see the USB Icons in that right click on that u can see the disable and enable click on fromthere you can do the same

thanks,
sudarshan