Group policy for windows xp themes

I have tried to do this and have not found a way to do it. From what I have learned, you cannot do it. Individual users have control over the theme they use. If you find out different, please let me know.

One option would be to erase all themes but the one you would allow that group to use.

You cannot accomplish this from the Win2K DC. But you can from an XP client. You must be logged into the XP client as a user with Domain Admin rights.

1. In the Run... window, type mmc.
2. From the File menu, choose Add/Remove Snap-in...
3. Click Add.
4. Choose Group Policy and click Add.
5. In the Group Policy Object: window, click Browse, choose Default Domain Policy for your domain, and click OK.
6. Click Finish.
7. On the Add Standalone Snap-in window, click Close.
8. Onthe Add/Remove Snap-in window, click OK.

Under Console Root, you should see "Default Domain Policy [yourdomain.com].?

Go to User Configuration | Administrative Templates | Control Panel | Display | Desktop Themes. Find the setting labeled "Load a specific visual style file or force Windows Classic. Enable the policy and follow directions to either specify a specific theme or force the Windows Classic theme.

If you also want to force the Windows Classic Start Menu as well, go to User Configuration | Administrative Templates | Start Menu and Taskbar. Enable the policy labeled "Force classic Start Menu."

From the command prompt, type ?gpudate /target:user /force?
NOTE: This command takes the place of the ?secedit /refreshpolicy? command you may be used to in Win2K.

Changes will take place at the next log-on.

Try browsing through the Group Policy by typing GPEDIT.MSC from the run box, make sure you have sufficient rights before doing so.. my two cents worth!

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