Locking preferences

i work for the school and kids get into things that are easy but annoying fixes. it may not seem like it but when you haveto do some fixes 7 or 8 times in a school year it gets annoying. i want to lock system preferences but i can't click the lock because i don't have enough privaleges. there is no way to change them either. it just shows them i can't edit them. i have 1 account on the computers and it is the administrator. i also need to lock the other folders the same way.

Hi lucaskoch!
In your User Profile, you state your Occupation: as 6th grade.
Do you teach 6th grade?
"... i have 1 account on the computers and it is the administrator..."
Are you the Administrator?
ali b

Similar Messages

How to lock preferences per-profile (not for all profiles)?

Hello. I managed to lock some preferences as I needed (plugin states as "ask-to-activate", as seen here: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1031649), but I decided to create a new profile for my online banking only. I would like to set these same plugins to "always activate" in it, but their states are locked all over the application (even new profiles). How can I lock preferences individually a single profile only?

Note that you may not have to lock the prefs, but that you can set a new default value to use when you haven't changed a pref from the default.
These functions can be used in the mozilla.cfg file:
defaultPref(); // set new default value
pref(); // set pref, allow changes in current session
lockPref(); // lock pref, disallow changes
*http://mxr.mozilla.org/mozilla-release/source/extensions/pref/autoconfig/src/prefcalls.js
You could probably use code like this to check the location of the current profile and only run the code to lock prefs with a specific profile (adjust the RegExp to match the profile name):
<pre><nowiki>profD = Cc["@mozilla.org/file/directory_service;1"].getService(Ci.nsIProperties).get("ProfD", Ci.nsIFile).path;
if (/xxxxxxxx[.]default$/.test(profD)){
lockPref("<pref name>", <value>);
}</nowiki></pre>

Lock preference for all printers.

How can i lock preferences for all printers in FF? In about:config there are individual settings for every connected printer. So I have to know the name/identifier of every printer to apply lockPref() in CFG file. But i need some common solution, without connection to printer ID's.

Hi kshatra,
Thank you for your question. At the moment the way to lock preferences can be read about in: [http://kb.mozillazine.org/Locking_preferences Mozillazine: Locking Preferences]
I have not tried this before, but it may be useful to you:
*[http://www.brighthub.com/internet/google/articles/107735.aspx]
*[https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/r-kiosk/ R Kiosk Add on]

Locking preference settings

Is there a way to lock preference settings. For example, I'd like to lock the Desktop and Screen Saver settings so users cannot change them. Is there a way to do this?
Thanks

Need a bit more information. Do the other users have separate accounts? Are they admin users or regular users? More information is needed.

Issues Locking Preferences

I am attempting to lock some user preferences in firefox 5.0.1 for windows XP. I have completed the following steps:
1. Created and converted "Mozilla.txt" to mozilla.cfg with proper ROT13 encoding as per http://kb.mozillazine.org/Locking_preferences.
2. Created local_setting.js with proper code as per http://kb.mozillazine.org/Locking_preferences
3. Moved both files in required directories as required per thead above.
4. Restart Firefox.
Upon restart, no setting where locked.
below is a copy of my mozilla.cfg file before converting it.
<pre><nowiki>//
lockPref("security.enable_ssl3", false);
lockPref("security.default_personal_cert", "Ask Every Time");
lockPref("network.protocol-handler.external.shell", false);
lockPref(“plugin.disable_full_page_plugin_for_types”, "PDF, FDF, XFDF, LSL, LSO, LSS, IQY, RQY, XLK, XLS, XLT, POT PPS, PPT, DOS, DOT, WKS, BAT, PS, EPS, WCH, WCM, WB1, WB3, RTF");
lockPref("browser.formfill.enable", false);
lockPref("signon.prefillForms", false);
lockPref("signon.rememberSignons", false);
lockPref("privacy.sanitize.sanitizeOnShutdown", false);
lockPref("privacy.sanitize.promptOnSanitize", true);
lockPref("dom.disable_window_open_feature.status"; true);
lockPref("dom.disable_window_move_resize", true);
lockPref("security.enable_ssl2", false);
lockPref("security.enable_tls", true);
lockPref("dom.disable_window_flip", true);
lockPref("dom.event.contextmenu.enabled", false);
lockPref("dom.disable_window_status_change", true);
lockPref("dom.disable_window_open_feature.status", true);
lockPref("security.warn_leaving_secure", true);</nowiki></pre>
Did I do something wrong? I thought I might have missed a step so I verified I did not and I am now sure I have completed all steps as required. Anyone know the trick here? I expected the setting to be greyed out. Am I expected the wrong result here?

I have done the following and still no luck:
1. Changed "lockPref" to "lockpref"
2. Change "false" to "False" and "true" to "True"
No Luck!
Other things I have noticed:
1. If i rename the original mozilla.txt to mozilla.cfg and edit the local_setting.js to not include the ("general.config.obscure_value", 0); the appication opens fines but no setting are locked.
2. To use the "coverted file" I need to have the "("general.config.obscure_value", 0);" within the "local_setting.js". Maybe I am reading the directions wrong but I feel like they are telling me to do the exact opposite.
Are text files created through notepad in windows created with ROT13 format?
I think there is an issue with my .cfg file. I copied and pasted it in my original post and I am now attaching it in a screen shot.
I have seem other ways to do this on the web but I do not want to edit the omni.jar file. I need a solution that will be easy to maintain.

Lock Preferences option goes away after reboot

After I lock changing Energy Saving preferences it gets unlocked again after I reboot and enter password on login screen! That's how Mac OS is secure?

The problem is that sometimes Mac OS X doesn't turn off my display after idle time specified at System Preferences, so it shows me screensaver and keyboard blacklight all the time (only reboot helps). Moreover the lock can't be closed at the time of this issue (it gets unlocked instantly after i click lock).

Anyone know how to lock preferences?

Hello All.
I set my cookies to "always" block cookies, except for here, and a very few other sites.
Yet, constantly, the setting gets changed to "from third parties and advertisers"- AND in all cases, hundreds of cookies come through anyway.
Then on the flash player pref's I set it to deny the ability of creepy people being able to turn on my camera and mocrophones, and THAT gets switched back to allow it!
WHO ARE THE CRIMINALS DOING THAT< and how can I make it hold the settings I choose, PLEASE?
Thanks to all. C

If preferences are not saved, delete the plist file for that application.
The plist files are in your user Library/Preferences folder (not the main Library you can see in Macintosh HD).
To get there, hold down the option key and select Library from the Go menu in Finder.
plist files are usually named com.company.program.plist.
Safari's would be com.apple.safari.plist.
I don't know what Flash Player's is named.
When you delete them, you will have to reset all of your personal preferences in the application.
I vaguely remember people having trouble with Safari's cookie settings. However, I didn't care so didn't bother investigating. You might google for more info on that or search this site.

How do I lock preferences (i.e. javascript disabled & locked)

I upgraded from firefix4.0.1 to 7.0 (Solaris 10)
I had the prefences locked by use of a config file (mozilla.cfg) and modifying the firefox.js in the omni.jar file I added these lines to the end of the file:
// byte shift so mozilla.cfg works
pref("general.config.obscure_value", 0);
// Mozilla lockdown
pref("general.config.filename", "mozilla.cfg");
This method does not work with firefox7.0, the browser doesn't launch when I modify firefox.js
I need to have settings locked to prevent users from changing them in the field. Is there any documentation for how to do that?

Not working. Perhaps I'm missing a step or have gone too far. Here's what I did:
Firefox is installed in /opt/sfw/lib/firefox (solaris 10, I de/re-installed to ensure my previous attempts were purged)
I opened the omni.jar file on a Windows machine w/ WinZip.
I added a file: defaults/pref/local-settings.js; it contains two lines(I even tried reversing their order in the file):
pref("general.config.filename", "mozilla.cfg");
pref("general.config.obscure_value", 0);
I re-zipped (WinZip) the files & named it omni.jar & overwrote the original omni.jar (I created a backup, omni.jar.orig)
I created /opt/sfw/lib/firefox/mozilla.cfg that contains two lines:
lockPref("javascript.enabled", false);
Did I screw up the instuctions or misplace one of those files? Syntax of the files? Offset value?
Thank you,
Scott

When I go to System Preferences Network "Click the lock to make changes",... it ALWAYS UNLOCKED. That is even if I have locked it before last shutdown. Should it not stay locked until I unlock it again as administrator?

When I go to
System Preferences > Network > "Click the lock to make changes",...
It is ALWAYS UNLOCKED.
That is even if I have locked it before the last shutdown.
Should it not stay locked until I unlock it again as administrator?
PJ (Pjflyer)

From the menu bar, select
 ▹ System Preferences... ▹ Security & Privacy ▹ General
If there's a closed padlock icon in the lower left corner of the preference pane, click it and authenticate to unlock the settings. Enter your login password when prompted.
Click the Advanced button and check the box marked Require an administrator password to access locked preferences in the sheet that drops down. Then click OK.

Unable to Lock System Preferences in Lion.

I've just noticed that I can not lock preferences. I've tried locking time machine, energy saver and also Print & Scan. I click on the icon, it flickers but doesn't lock. Any thoughts on why and how to fix? (iMac 24", Lion 10.7.3)
Thanks,
Kevin

Ok, found a discussion to fix in the security prefences.

Time Machine Lock in Preferences window doesn't remain locked after a system reboot

I am not sure if this problem occurred in Lion or not, but in Mountain Lion, I'm noticing the lock in the lower left corner of the Time Machine preferences page doesn't remain locked after a reboot of the computer. Has anyone else noticed this issue? Is there a fix or is it a glitch that Apple will need to correct?

From the menu bar, select  ▹ System Preferences ▹ Security & Privacy ▹ General ▹ Advanced... ▹ Require an administrator password to access locked preferences: On.

Help, MBP Hard Drive is Read-Only, Can't access or unlock any user preferences

I could really use some help. I have searched and tried what I could but I am at a loss with what to do. I first noticed this last night when I was trying to switch users and after entering the correct password nothing would happen. I then went to Preferences to reset my password and the lock icon was closed so I clicked to unlock it and it prompted me for my password and after entering the correct one nothing happens. It simply reverts back to the same window without unlocking.
I am unable to switch users, unlock any locked preferences, install any software, etc as anything that requires my admin password won't work. I am entering the correct password because if the wrong one is entered it "shakes" and the correct one looks as if it will be accepted but it doesn't.
I have tried running repair in Disk Utility and rebooting multiple times to no avail. I finally decided to try and reinstall Lion however once I get to the page asking for admin allowance it again won't go past the password screen so I can't even do that.
After reading tons of threads I came across one that pointed to my Macintosh HD. I chose get info and it turns out that I am now Read Only. The only one with write access is System. Therefore I can't do anything.
I am completely at a loss and really need some help. Some threads I've come across mention running scripts in Terminal but I have no idea what is actually relevant for me and would really prefer some specific help. I was on 10.7.1 so I upgraded to 10.7.2 but the issue is still very much present.
Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Reboot and hold down the option key at the startup chime. Select Recovery HD. Launch Disk Utility. Try repairing permissions. You can also reinstall from there if you wish.
What have you been using to make backups? Time Machine or some other program?

Java Preferences API - Help needed

Hi,
I have to create a file which contains all the properties of my application using Preferences class.
The properties file should look like:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
<!DOCTYPE preferences SYSTEM "http://java.sun.com/dtd/preferences.dtd">
<preferences EXTERNAL_XML_VERSION="1.0">
<root type="user">
<map/>
<node name="Service1">
<map>
<entry key="ssw" value="ggggg"/>
<entry key="vfr" value="hhhhhhhh"/>
<entry key="cfe" value="lkjhgg"/>
<entry key="sdx" value="uytreww"/>
<entry key="dsc" value="qqqqqqq"/>
</map>
</node>
<node name="Service2">
<map>
<entry key="34" value="acd"/>
<entry key="ert" value="sss"/>
<entry key="frd" value="wed"/>
<entry key="dvf" value="cf"/>
<entry key="cfg" value="gvss"/>
</map>
</node>
</root>
</preferences>
Thats means what I am trying to do is create a separate node for each of the services in my application.
But when I try to add 2nd node after adding the 1st node the, the 1st node is overwritten and the properties file has only 2nd node information in it.
Please see the snapshot of the code being used by me.
public void setConfiguration(final Dictionary properties,
               final String service) {
          Preferences pref = Preferences.userRoot().node(service);
          FileOutputStream output = null;
          FileLock lock = null;
          try {
               output = new FileOutputStream(FILE_NAME);
               lock = output.getChannel().lock();
               Preferences.userRoot().flush();
               if (null != lock) {
                    final Enumeration<?> pnen = ((Properties) properties)
                              .propertyNames();
                    String propKey;
                    String propValue;
                    while (pnen.hasMoreElements()) {
                         propKey = (String) pnen.nextElement();
                         propValue = (String) properties.get(propKey);
                         pref.put(propKey, propValue);
                    pref.exportSubtree(output);
               } else {
                    throw new Exception();
               String message = "Write operation completed successfully.";
               LOGGER_INSTANCE.info(message);
          } catch (Exception e) {
               throw new ConfigurationServiceCommonException(
                         ConfigurationServiceExceptionConstants.FILE_NOT_FOUND, e
                                   .getCause());
          } finally {
               try {
                    if (null != lock && lock.isValid()) {
                         lock.release();
                    if (null != output) {
                         output.close();
               } catch (IOException e) {
          return;
Please help me in resolving this issue.
Java Rules :)
Thanks
Sameer

SAMEERRITU wrote:
..I have to create a file which contains all the properties of my application using Preferences class.
The properties file should look like:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
<!DOCTYPE preferences SYSTEM "http://java.sun.com/dtd/preferences.dtd">
<preferences EXTERNAL_XML_VERSION="1.0">
<root type="user">
    <map/>
    <node name="Service1">
      <map>
        <entry key="ssw" value="ggggg"/>
        <entry key="vfr" value="hhhhhhhh"/>
        <entry key="cfe" value="lkjhgg"/>
        <entry key="sdx" value="uytreww"/>
        <entry key="dsc" value="qqqqqqq"/>
      </map>
    </node>
    <node name="Service2">
      <map>
        <entry key="34" value="acd"/>
        <entry key="ert" value="sss"/>
        <entry key="frd" value="wed"/>
        <entry key="dvf" value="cf"/>
        <entry key="cfg" value="gvss"/>
      </map>
    </node>
</root>
</preferences>
Thats means what I am trying to do is create a separate node for each of the services in my application.
But when I try to add 2nd node after adding the 1st node the, the 1st node is overwritten and the properties file has only 2nd node information in it.
Please see the snapshot of the code being used by me.
public void setConfiguration(final Dictionary properties,
               final String service) {
          Preferences pref = Preferences.userRoot().node(service);
          FileOutputStream output = null;
          FileLock lock = null;
          try {
               output = new FileOutputStream(FILE_NAME);
               lock = output.getChannel().lock();
               Preferences.userRoot().flush();
               if (null != lock) {
                    final Enumeration<?> pnen = ((Properties) properties)
                              .propertyNames();
                    String propKey;
                    String propValue;
                    while (pnen.hasMoreElements()) {
                         propKey = (String) pnen.nextElement();
                         propValue = (String) properties.get(propKey);
                         pref.put(propKey, propValue);
                    pref.exportSubtree(output);
               } else {
                    throw new Exception();
               String message = "Write operation completed successfully.";
               LOGGER_INSTANCE.info(message);
          } catch (Exception e) {
               throw new ConfigurationServiceCommonException(
                         ConfigurationServiceExceptionConstants.FILE_NOT_FOUND, e
                                   .getCause());
          } finally {
               try {
                    if (null != lock && lock.isValid()) {
                         lock.release();
                    if (null != output) {
                         output.close();
               } catch (IOException e) {
          return;
Please help me in resolving this issue.When posting code, code snippets, HTML/XML or input/output, please use the code tags. The code tags help retain the indentation and formatting of the sample. To use the code tags, select the code and click the CODE button.
Some other points, now I can actually view the source without it making me go cross-eyed.
               } catch (IOException e) {
               }Never [swallow exceptions|http://pscode.org/javafaq.html#stacktrace] *(<- link),* especially in broken code!
Note that for better help, sooner, post an SSCCE *(<- link),* rather than uncompilable code snippets.

Script setting require an admin password to unlock preferences

Hidden in System Preferences -> Security & Privacy -> Advanced is a button to turn on or off requiring an administrator level password to unlock various System Preference options. This will secure certain preference options as defined in the /etc/authorization file.
When you turn it on it will set to true that those preference options are to be secured and when you turn it off it will set the control to false. By making a copy of the file /etc/authorization and then doing a diff of the before and after copies you can see the changes. (Or open both copies and scroll through them.)
However it seems it also sets a flag someone where else to indicate which mode it is in, this I somewhat expected because it is possible to manually modify the settings in /etc/authorization and it would need some overall method of determing which mode it is in.
My problem is that I don't know where this overall flag is kept, it does not appear to be in /etc/authorization itself although I may have missed it.
Does anyone know where this setting is?
With this information it would be possible to then write a script to apply the changes to /etc/authorization and also set that overall flag for the purposes of pre-configuring a computer when imaging it.
Thanks.

its should disable but every time i open the system preferences still show up ????
Or i should make restart ?
That is a different question. Your initial question was about where the setting was.
I never messed with the setting before and I have always had to unlock locked preferences. I tried it just now, though, and it doesn't seem to do what it says it should. Maybe it does something but I don't know what it is. You can try a restart or log out but I am doubtful it will make a difference.

Resetting System Preferences

I think, or rather know, this is pretty simple. I know because I was told how to replace or get rid of system preferences by an Apple tech when I first bought this Mac Pro (09 Quad). Alas, I didn't write it down at the time as I was in panic mode in general confronted with a new Mac and as a new Mac user.
Specifically, the locks won't stick in any of the system preferences, which was the problem before. When I lock preferences they don't stay that way. Next time I check them they're all unlocked.
The tech had me go in and delete a file or folder I seem to recall is located somewhere in the System Library and then restart, at which point I seem to recall the system created a new System Preferences file or folder that then worked properly. I might be leaving out a couple details I can't recall. I just can't recall specifically enough and don't want to make a mess experimenting based on faulty memory.
Can anyone help with this? Thanks very much,

I have the opposite problem, and it's driving me crazy.
I +do not+ have the "Require a password to unlock each System Preferences pane" preference checked, and +do not+ want to have to unlock System Preference panes to use them. Yet after each restart, the panes are locked (whether I left them locked or unlocked)!
I am an administrator. The computers are running Snow Leopard (latest version). I have four computers, two exhibit this behavior, two do not (they work as expected, leaving panes unlocked according to the Security: General preference setting).
I have upgraded, or migrated these computers from Leopard, and I suspect there is some sort of remanent from the previous OS that is causing this beharior, but resetting permissions has not solved the problem. Nor has replacing System Preferences preference files. This security setting must be buried deep, as I expect it would be, and I cannot find the stubborn file where it is stored that seems to defy and ignore the "Require a password to unlock each System Preferences pane" setting.
Ideas?

Locking preferences

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