Usage scenarios

Block users from accessing web sites using Internet Explorer and Windows Explorer except for a small set of web sites

By default, IE URL Lock will block all access to http: and https: URLs except for WebDAV folder views. Only those locations that match an entry in the set of permitted location regular expressions will allow the user to bring up that requested page in Internet Explorer or Windows Explorer.

By storing its configuration information in the system and user policy registry trees and shipping with an Administrative Policy Template file for the Group Policy editor, the IE URL Lock permits IT administrators to centrally manage IE URL Lock's configurations across a network of computers on both a per-computer and a per-user basis when used in conjunction with Active Directory.

Prevent users from using Internet Explorer as part of a move to a safer browser such as Mozilla Firefox

Instead of using built-in technologies to block Internet Explorer access in ways that were not originally intended such as the proxy.pac approach or Microsoft's Ratings System lockdown suggestion, the IE URL Lock brings a fresh approach to locking down Internet Explorer by using the same interface that many spyware programs use -- install itself as a Browser Helper Object to gain full access to the Internet Explorer browser. When active, the IE URL Lock will prevent Internet Explorer from loading and executing web pages from unauthorized locations.

When the user attempts to navigate to an unapproved location, an optional parameter lets IT administrators display a page, as an example, telling the user to contact their support department if the location that they tried to browse to does not work in Mozilla Firefox. If no page or web site location is specified in this setting, the user gets a standard Internet Explorer Navigation Canceled page.

In this scenario, WebDAV access may be desirable while restricting Internet Explorer. By default, WebDAV folder views are not blocked by the IE URL Lock.

Prevent the Windows Explorer and Internet Explorer from navigating to all locations; including local and network paths such as C:\, \\server\sharename, "Control Panel," and ftp://mysite; except for those that are explicitly allowed

In addition to locking down Internet Explorer, the IE URL Lock can also lock down the Windows Explorer as it shares the same Browser Helper Object interface.

Perfect for the all-controlling IT administrator, the IE URL Lock can optionally prevent users from navigating to folders on the computer, "My Computer," "Control Panel," and all other locations that either a Windows Explorer or an Internet Explorer window can view. In this mode, no special provisions are made for ensuring that all WebDAV folder views work, permitting IT administrators to lock down outbound WebDAV folder views, too.