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Does anyone know if Google Chrome Frame will be installable onWindows machines in the dreaded Corporate IT World where machines are locked down with a Khaki Fist?

I suppose that's really two questions

  1. Can Windows be locked down to prevent IE from installing plug-ins?

  2. Is Google being clever and finding a way around this?

Alan Storm
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1 Answers1

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Google Chrome Frame is a neat idea.

For an answer to your first question, you can absolutely prevent IT from installing plugins. Here is the GPO area:

  • Allow third-party browser extensions: Windows Components\Internet Explorer\Internet Control Panel\Advanced Page
  • Add-on List: Windows Components\Internet Explorer\Security Features\Add-on Management
  • Deny all add-ons unless specifically allowed in the Add-on List: Windows Components\Internet Explorer\Security Features\Add-on Management

I don't think Google can get around this, at least in the plugin arena. However, I thought I read somewhere that Chrome's installation program is pretty novel, in that it installs itself in a user's own area and not the system, meaning it installs (on XP) in c:\documents and settings\username... rather than c:\program file.... You might find that you are able to install the normal installer, depending on your GPO settings.

Dave Drager
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  • Adding to Dave's answer, as far as I know there is no such thing as a "per-user" IE plugin. Non-administrators will should not be able to install the plugin (unless Google does some hacking). Your users aren't administrators... right? – Joshua Sep 23 '09 at 14:06