Lock default browser

[lazzser]

Hi all. Is there some program or trick capable to lock a browser as the default one?

i.e. If I choose Firefox as my defauly browser and somebody else installs Chrome as the new default browser. Is it possible to lock Firefox as default or to block any other browser to set itself as default?

Thank you in advance, and sorry about my english.

[DKT27]

Moved to Software Chat.

[anuraag]

You can block access to registry keys responsible for default browser change using hips or some other soft.

[implague]

open FF go to option --advance then select "make Firefox as a default browser"

check the screen shot

this might help you

[calguyhunk]

Hi Lazzser, to the best of my knowledge, the best (and only) way to do this, is to be careful while installing programs. Not just browsers, but each and every single one of them if you don't want unwanted programs to be installed and/or your settings changed. Even after installation, you should be careful while setting up a program for file associations, update schedules, background services, pre-scheduled tasks etc. These are the single biggest reasons for PC slowdowns over a period of time, and not hardware or anything else :yes:

Instead of clicking though "I Agree", "Next" and "Install", you need to be a little bit more watchful as to what exactly you're agreeing to and what all you're installing. ;)

Agree with only the terms and conditions of licensing without reading (we all do that) but make sure you check every other option diligently before clicking on "Next" or "Agree" or "Install". Most programs come with optional "Opt Out" software (meaning - by default it will install unsolicited software unless you specifically ask it not to) like Anti-Virus (McAfee is a known offender), Browsers (Google tries to install Chrome with everything), Toolbars (ASK being a particularly obnoxious one) even from reputable vendors like Google, Adobe, Microsoft etc. :nono:

So, diligently 'unchecking' the boxes will result in not only all that unneeded stuff not being downloaded - thereby saving you bandwidth - you'll also save yourself a lot of disk space and also from the hassle of changed settings and all. Only leave the default options unchanged if you don't know what they mean (you can still Google), but otherwise, if you know for sure that you don't need something, do take the time to change the settings on each window before clicking on "Install" :)

As of now, do set back FF as the default browser as per the instructions of my fellow forum members, but henceforth, do remember to be diligent. ;)

[lazzser]

Thanks for your feedback. I'm looking for a solution for a friend, a retired teacher. Sometimes she helps some students, and when they use their computer they install Google Chrome as default browser. This has happened many times despite her efforts to prevent it. My friend is comfortable with Firefox and it is difficult for her to change the default browser back to Firefox, so I have to help using Teamviewer.

I looked at the registry keys when Firefox installs itself as the default browser, but they appear to be many. I was wondering if there is a specific program that will lock the default browser, not to protect from neglect when installing software, to protect from changes made on purpose.

Using a HIPS to block specific registry keys may be a solution, but I think that is a too complex one for a very, very inexperienced user. Any ideas?

[rTg]

Than create a new windows account and this account has only restricted rights. So the students can not install any random software etc.

Thats the easiest way to block things like that.

[anuraag]

Using a HIPS to block specific registry keys may be a solution, but I think that is a too complex one for a very, very inexperienced user. Any ideas?

Not at all complex. You need to block only specific key and set Hips to allow all for rest operation. So user won't get any alert for example Comodo.

Edit:

I found another program Winpatrol

see Custom Registry Monitoring and Lock Down

http://www.winpatrol.com/upgrade18.html

[lazzser]

Than create a new windows account and this account has only restricted rights. So the students can not install any random software etc.

Thats the easiest way to block things like that.

It could be a very good solution, if she remembered to change user session whenever she lends her computer to a student. But I'm afraid that's not very likely ...

Using a HIPS to block specific registry keys may be a solution, but I think that is a too complex one for a very, very inexperienced user. Any ideas?

Not at all complex. You need to block only specific key and set Hips to allow all for rest operation. So user won't get any alert for example Comodo.

Edit:

I found another program Winpatrol

see Custom Registry Monitoring and Lock Down

http://www.winpatrol.../upgrade18.html

That's one of my concerns, HIPS usually bother users with messages that are not entirely clear, an inexperienced user does not know what to answer. She uses Avast and WOT + ABP in Firefox, a combination that has worked very well keeping her computer clean and light. I know Comodo has an excellent HIPS, but I don´t have too much experience in it´s configuration and I'm afraid it might be too heavy for a netbook. Still a simple and quiet HIPS, could be a viable solution.

I´ll take a look to Winpatrol, thank you.

[lazzser]

open FF go to option --advance then select "make Firefox as a default browser"

(...)

this might help you

Thanks, I was looking how to do the same thing from command line: firefox.exe -silent -setDefaultBrowser

Perhaps I can make a batch with that to execute in every system start... not a very sophisticated solution, but it could be effective. The batch could take care of desktop shortcuts too. The only problem I found is that when tested that command my PC was restarted. :(

[calguyhunk]

Ok, so you should have mentioned that you're a programmer yourself and don't need condescending tuts :P

The way I see it, checking the scheduled tasks to see if extra tasks are added by Chrome (I can remember that Google Updater for one needs to be disabled/deleted) and changing all Google/Chrome services to "Manual" instead of "Auto/Delayed". If nothing helps, uninstalling Chrome should do it, right? (I'm asking you ;) )

Also - just curious - wouldn't scheduling a task be the easier way to do that job that you're looking to write a code for? :dunno:

[unknownasphyxiated]

why not change registry through batch file rather than use firefox itself?

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\http\shell\open\command

C:\Program Files\Mozilla\FIREFOX.EXE -url "%1"

[lazzser]

Ok, so you should have mentioned that you're a programmer yourself and don't need condescending tuts :P

The way I see it, checking the scheduled tasks to see if extra tasks are added by Chrome (I can remember that Google Updater for one needs to be disabled/deleted) and changing all Google/Chrome services to "Manual" instead of "Auto/Delayed". If nothing helps, uninstalling Chrome should do it, right? (I'm asking you ;) )

Also - just curious - wouldn't scheduling a task be the easier way to do that job that you're looking to write a code for? :dunno:

I do not want to uninstall Chrome because if I did, it surely end somehow reinstalled as the marketing of Google Chrome is quite aggressive. For example programs like CCleaner offer (opt out) to install this browser, but if it is already installed then they don't bother the user.

It seems impossible to prevent students from installing Google Chrome again and again, so it would make sense to restore Firefox as default browser if necessary. A batch may also be responsible for the shortcuts on the desktop and in the taskbar, removing Chrome´s and restoring Firefox shortcuts (which usually are erased by the students).

The batch is pretty straightforward except for one thing: the shortcuts pinned to the taskbar. I have not found a way to manipulate that from a batch, it seems to be possible from vbscript.

why not change registry through batch file rather than use firefox itself?

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\http\shell\open\command

C:\Program Files\Mozilla\FIREFOX.EXE -url "%1"

That's not the only registry key involved in defining the default browser. Making Firefox itself to handle that task seems to be a more robust aproach.

[anuraag]

I do not want to uninstall Chrome because if I did, it surely end somehow reinstalled as the marketing of Google Chrome is quite aggressive. For example programs like CCleaner offer (opt out) to install this browser, but if it is already installed then they don't bother the user.

Than make firefox as default browser and set chrome to not ask for default browser.

[DKT27]

Than make firefox as default browser and set chrome to not ask for default browser.

This. Try this simple solution first.

Alternatively, do what geeks used to do in the old days, to prevent people from using IE. Make two Firefox shortcuts on desktop. Keep one as Firefox, but other one, rename it to Google Chrome and change the icon to it. Students will click the shortcut and will still get Firefox. :uhoh:

Do the same with all Chrome shortcuts on the whole system.

Take it to another level. Go to:

C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\Application

OR

C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\

and go to it's properties. In properties, go to security tab and disable all the permissions to the folder. Do so to all the user accounts folder. By default, Chrome doesn't allow to change the installation folder.

Take it to yet another level, manuplate Chrome related registry keys. Search the registry and make a mess of each and every Chrome registry entry.

My point here is, instead of trying to make Firefox browser, prevent access to installation or usage of Chrome.

By no means I'm against Chrome here, but in these type of cases, I'll prefer to go aggressive than defensive. Also, I doubt they would be knowing about Chrome flocks like Comodo Dragon.

[unknownasphyxiated]

then use GPO to block chrome.. :lol:

[lazzser]

Than make firefox as default browser and set chrome to not ask for default browser.

That is exactly the way it is configured now. It prevents Chrome being installed by other programs but does not prevent students install it on purpose, that's what actually happens.

Alternatively, do what geeks used to do in the old days, to prevent people from using IE. Make two Firefox shortcuts on desktop. Keep one as Firefox, but other one, rename it to Google Chrome and change the icon to it. Students will click the shortcut and will still get Firefox. :uhoh:

(...)

My point here is, instead of trying to make Firefox browser, prevent access to installation or usage of Chrome.

By no means I'm against Chrome here, but in these type of cases, I'll prefer to go aggressive than defensive. Also, I doubt they would be knowing about Chrome flocks like Comodo Dragon.

Cute trick! :lol: But I think it would not survive a new installation of Chrome. Students do not even notice that Chrome is already installed and is accessible from the start menu, they just download and install it again and again... :angry: Besides of that, they scrupulously clear th shortcuts to Firefox from desktop and taskbar, by now, they seem to ignore the start menu.

Nor am I against Chrome (one of the best browsers), my friend is simply used to using Firefox and is inconvenient when she can not access it in the usual way. As the situation repeats itself, thought to seek an automatic solution to the problem; one way would be to prevent the installation of Chrome, another one could be to let students make changes and then restore the state of the browser, for example on the next system boot.

then use GPO to block chrome.. :lol:

Aother very intresting aproach! Thank you.

[anuraag]

You don't get it what i mean

Install chrome so that students won't install it again and again and Then make firefox as default browser and set chrome to not ask for default browser.

[lazzser]

You don't get it what i mean

Install chrome so that students won't install it again and again and Then make firefox as default browser and set chrome to not ask for default browser.

Chrome has always been installed and configured to not ask to be the default browser. But students seem unaware of this and just download it again and reinstall it. Besides this, they actively remove all visible shortcuts to Firefox.

Strange as it may seem, is what happens. :( This and some other Facebook related things... but that is not a problem.

[DKT27]

But I think it would not survive a new installation of Chrome.

Nope. Wrong. Here's another secret for you. By locking it down by permissions, not you, not her, not her students, nor Chrome can override those permissions. Only an advanced person can solve the permissions by knowing what to do (take ownership). The same applies to registry. And why is this a secret? That's how some of the TRs are made. :secret:

Really sad to see such ignorant pricks. If I would have been in her place, I would have whooped their ass. :P

Seriously though, has she tried acknowledging it to the students? All this comes later, she making them know that it's wrong and if shameless, make them feel guilt is the first thing.

[lazzser]

(...)

Really sad to see such ignorant pricks. If I would have been in her place, I would have whooped their ass. :P

(...)

Lately there is a belief here, particularly strong among less experienced users, on that "Chrome is better." I do not know for sure the reasons for this belief, but I think it might be partly due to that they have incomplete information about browsers. Social networks do the rest. They probably think they are doing a favor to their teacher by installing a "better" browser for her.

I had not thought to use Windows permissions to prevent access to Chrome and it would be better if it was accessible to anyone who would use it. But in this case such a measure could be justified. For now I like more the approach that restores Firefox as default browser and it´s shortcuts too. I think Powershell can manipulate shortcuts pinned in Windows task bar, so I'm reading about how to do that.

Thank you very much for your feedback!

[DKT27]

Lately there is a belief here, particularly strong among less experienced users, on that "Chrome is better." I do not know for sure the reasons for this belief, but I think it might be partly due to that they have incomplete information about browsers. Social networks do the rest. They probably think they are doing a favor to their teacher by installing a "better" browser for her.

I had not thought to use Windows permissions to prevent access to Chrome and it would be better if it was accessible to anyone who would use it. But in this case such a measure could be justified. For now I like more the approach that restores Firefox as default browser and it´s shortcuts too. I think Powershell can manipulate shortcuts pinned in Windows task bar, so I'm reading about how to do that.

Thank you very much for your feedback!

Yes I can understand.

I remember this sentence from a Chrome fan (not fanboy): "Chrome is not the best browser, nor it's better than Firefox. It's just that Chrome is considered cool and fashionable to use these days".

To add to that, we see aggressive marketing by Google. On TV ads, newspaper ads, bundled with most softwares and most important, on Google's homepage, has led it to have a bump in the marketshare.

Being an heavy user, I have found serious usability & backend flaws in Chrome that prevents me to do my daily work. The flaws that never ever existed in Firefox. Some of those flaws are considered as features by Google. :mellow:

Eitherway, think it this way. When you open Default Programs > Set Default Programs and select Firefox and click on Set this program as default. Right when you click it, Windows executes something, something like dllhost.exe /xyz or anything like that. Try to get what Windows executes, that way you can do it correctly. All this, if a "default browser" is pinned at taskbar.

No problem. Do let us know the results. ;)

[calguyhunk]

Lately there is a belief here, particularly strong among less experienced users, on that "Chrome is better." I do not know for sure the reasons for this belief, but I think it might be partly due to that they have incomplete information about browsers.

Exactly. Chrome's got 1 advantage over FF and yes, it's a pretty big one. Faster startup. But faster rendition is a bit of a myth for all practical purposes. With ever increasing internet connection speeds, how fast a page is rendered is less dependent on the engine and more on the connection speed today more than ever :yes:

Also, people on limited bandwidth don't even realize that the much touted background rendition actually eats away so much bandwidth :(

Being an heavy user, I have found serious usability & backend flaws in Chrome that prevents me to do my daily work. The flaws that never ever existed in Firefox. Some of those flaws are considered as features by Google.

Couldn't have put it better myself. Would have been funny had it not been so tragic :angry: