Setting Options for a Console File in the Microsoft Management Console

Setting Options for a Console File

When creating consoles for workgroup managers or other users, you may want to restrict how the console is used. Console options can be set so that users can access only the tools that the administrator allows. To set console file options, follow these steps:

1. With the console file open, click the Console menu and choose Options. This opens the Options dialog box.
2. Click the Console tab. Choose the console mode:
   • Author Mode No restrictions. The user can access all parts of the console tree as well as change this console file at will.
   • User Mode—Full Access The user can access all parts of the console tree but cannot make changes that affect functionality. Cosmetic changes, such as the arrangement of windows, are saved automatically.
   • User Mode—Limited Access, Multiple Window The user can access only the parts of the console that were visible at the time the console file was saved.
   • User Mode—Limited Access, Single Window The same as the previous mode, except that only one window is visible.
3. In all but Author mode, you can also select the Do Not Save Changes To This Console option, so that the console always opens in the same view.
4. Click OK and save the console file.

Note: Modifying Console Files

After you’ve saved a console file in any mode other than Author mode, the Console menu is no longer visible, even to administrators. This prevents the user from changing the options. To modify a console file, open a command-prompt window and type mmc /a. The /a switch sets Author mode, overriding any User mode setting, and opens the console window, from which you can open any console file and make changes.

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