If a user tries to install a program from removable media, such as CD-ROMs, floppy disks, and DVDs, a message appears, stating that the feature cannot be found.

This setting applies even when the installation is running in the user’s security context.

If you disable this setting or do not configure it, users can install from removable media when the installation is running in their own security context, but only system administrators can use removable media when an installation is running with elevated system privileges, such as installations offered on the desktop or in Add or Remove Programs.

Also, see the “Enable user to use media source while elevated setting” in Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Windows Installer.

Also, see the “Hide the ‘Add a program from CD-ROM or floppy disk’ option” setting in User Configuration\Administrative Templates\Control Panel\Add or Remove Programs.

Prevent Installing Software from Removable Media

1. Type gpedit.msc in the Start menu’s search box and then press Enter.

   Note: This guide shows you how to make changes to Windows 7 using Group Policy. Group Policy is not available in Home versions of Windows 7.

2. Navigate to User Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, and then select Windows Installer in the left column of the Group Policy editor.

   ^[1]

3. Double-click Prevent removable media source for any install in the Settings section of the Group Policy editor.
4. Select Enable and then click OK to save the changes.

   ^[2]