StormWindow for Windows XP

About StormWindow

StormWindow [TM] is Copyright 1994-2004 by Cetus Software Inc. All Rights are Reserved.

CETUS SOFTWARE INC. DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES RELATING TO THIS SOFTWARE, WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND ALL SUCH WARRANTIES ARE EXPRESSLY AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMED. CETUS SOFTWARE INC. SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE SUCH SOFTWARE, EVEN IF CETUS SOFTWARE INC. HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR CLAIMS. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE LIABILITY OF CETUS SOFTWARE INC. EVER EXCEED THE PRICE PAID FOR THE LICENSE TO USE THE SOFTWARE, REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF THE CLAIM. THE PERSON USING THE SOFTWARE BEARS ALL RISK AS TO THE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE SOFTWARE.

This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and shall inure to the benefit of Cetus Software Inc., and any successors, administrators, heirs, and assigns. Any action or proceeding brought by either party against the other arising out of or related to this agreement shall be brought only in a state or federal court of competent jurisdiction located in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The parties hereby consent to in personam jurisdiction of said courts.

This software and the disk on which it is obtained is licensed to an individual or institution user, for his/her/its own use. This is copyrighted software. The user is not obtaining title to the software or any copyright rights. The user may not sublicense, rent, lease, convey, modify, translate, convert to another programming language, decompile, or disassemble the software for any purpose. The user may make one copy of the software for back-up purposes only. The user may use this software on his/her/its own computer(s) only.

WARNING !!!

NOTICE: The use of ANY computer security software program is potentially DANGEROUS if not done with care. You must read ALL the StormWindow documentation thoroughly BEFORE using StormWindow on your PC.

BEWARE: Careless OR incorrect use of this software could possibly lock YOU out of your own computer. IF you are NOT willing to use this software VERY carefully, heeding ALL warnings in this documentation, then you should uninstall StormWindow and proceed NO further.

StormWindow should be UNinstalled through Control Panel (Add/Remove Programs). This will remove the StormWindow files and the changes that the Setup program made to your system. NOTE, however, that the uninstallation will NOT be able to undo all of the changes that YOU yourself may have made to your PC by the use of StormWindow after it was installed, so please DO remember that YOU must undo ALL protections BEFORE you proceed to uninstall StormWindow.

Overview of StormWindow

StormWindow is a security utility that allows the authorized user to add several types and degrees of protection to the desktop and system of a Windows XP computer. Intelligent use of StormWindow security measures will allow for the controlled use of any shared Windows XP computer.

Using Help

Welcome to StormWindow !!!

You may move from one topic to another in this Help file by clicking with the mouse on any underlined "jump" item. From the keyboard, you may use the Tab key to highlight any item, and then press Enter. You may also learn more about how to use a Windows Help file by pressing either the F1 key or the "Help" button above (or you may use Alt-H from the keyboard).

You may also receive specific information, displayed at the bottom of the main StormWindow window, about each StormWindow command and/or function, by holding the mouse over the control for that command or function.

Access to StormWindow

StormWindow may be accessed by clicking on its icon on the Start Menu, or by double-clicking on its icon on the desktop.

StormWindow may also be accessed through the Start Menu by entering "STORMWIN" (not case-sensitive) on the Command Line in the Run Command dialog box, or by searching for "STORMWIN.EXE" (also not case-sensitive) in the Find Command dialog box.

Note that you MUST remember the correct StormWindow password, as you will absolutely NOT be able to start StormWindow without it.

CAUTION: It is very important that you do not remove any means of access to StormWindow without very careful thought. You must be able to access StormWindow easily in order to change security settings. This is very important. It is highly recommended that you maintain at least TWO means of access to StormWindow at all times.

Security Strategy

It should be obvious that the use of just any one security measure is not likely to provide much actual security in any particular setting, and that a carefully chosen combination of complementary security measures will be required for most circumstances.

It should also be clear that it would be almost impossible for Cetus Software to provide one single set of recommendations that could provide optimum security under all circumstances. Each situation is different, and each therefore requires its own individual security plan. Nonetheless, Cetus Software does recommend that the following measures be considered when planning any effective security strategy:

Cetus Software recommends that serious thought be given to removing access to Windows XP Explorer. A guest user with even moderate Windows savvy will know how to get past many security measures simply by using this tool to "explore". Cetus Software does recommend disabling ALL means of access to Explorer (which is still available to the authorized user through StormWindow, of course), though it is clear that it will not always be possible to do this in every situation.

Cetus Software STRONGLY recommends the use of the two CRITICAL SYSTEM SECURITY settings on the StormWindow System page. Activating the settings for Disable Registry Editing and Disable Registry Merging of REG Files will help to prevent a guest user from attempting to circumvent StormWindow protections.

Cetus Software also recommends the use of a well chosen password, one that could NEVER be guessed by any guest user, one that employs an uncommon combination of letters, numbers, and punctuation. Avoid the use of institutional names, first names, last names, nicknames, names of spouses, names of children, names of pets, birthdates, or any other simple password that would be likely be tried by any "adventurous" guest user. Unfortunately, any password that is very easily remembered is probably also a password that is easily guessed at.

Main Commands

StormWindow, both in the command buttons to the right of the individual property pages in its main window, and in the menus at the top left of its main window, provides commands for several functions that affect StormWindow and/or Windows itself.

Commands for Windows

Since many protection changes provided by StormWindow require Windows to be restarted before they take effect, StormWindow provides for logging off from Windows, restarting of Windows, and shutting down the computer (for later restart); this shutdown access is also useful if you wish to use the StormWindow No Shutdown Command setting.

LOG OFF FROM WINDOWS will exit StormWindow and log the user off from Windows, so that many StormWindow changes made might take effect immediately. However, note that not all changes will take place after logging out and in, and that certain changes will require restarting the computer. CAUTION: Any changes made since starting StormWindow WILL be saved. (If you wish to cancel any changes made, you must do so individually before exiting StormWindow and logging off from Windows.)

RESTART WINDOWS will exit StormWindow and restart Windows, so that any StormWindow changes made may take full effect immediately. CAUTION: Any changes made since starting StormWindow WILL be saved. (If you wish to cancel any changes made, you must do so individually before exiting StormWindow and restarting Windows.)

SHUT DOWN COMPUTER will exit StormWindow and shut down the computer, so that any StormWindow changes made may take effect the next time Windows is run. CAUTION: Any changes made since starting StormWindow WILL be saved. (If you wish to cancel any changes made, you must do so individually before exiting StormWindow and restarting the computer.)

You may receive specific information, displayed at the bottom of the main StormWindow window, about each StormWindow command and/or function, by holding the mouse over the control for that command or function.

Commands for StormWindow

ABOUT StormWindow will display information about StormWindow (version number and copyright) and about Cetus Software (postal, email, and Web site addresses, and telephone and fax numbers).

StormWindow HELP will access StormWindow Help.

EXPORT SETTINGS may be used to export checkbox security settings to any location chosen by the user, allowing the authorized user to easily transport a protection scheme to other computers. Please note that, because of sometimes small but often significant differences between computers, ONLY checkbox settings are automatically exported by the Export function, and that StormWindow listboxes must be set manually. Please also note that, because of the severity of the Run Only These Windows Programs command and the Never Run These Windows Programs command, these commands will NOT be automatically exported by the Export function, but MUST be set manually.

IMPORT SETTINGS may be used to import all checkbox security settings from any location chosen by the user, allowing the authorized user to synchronize checkbox settings on several computers automatically. Please note that, because of sometimes small but often significant differences between computers, ONLY checkbox settings are automatically imported by the Import function, and that StormWindow listboxes must be set manually. Please also note that, because of the severity of the Run Only These Windows Programs command and the Never Run These Windows Programs command, these commands will NOT be automatically imported by the Import function, but MUST be set manually. Finally, please note that certain changes made in StormWindow protection settings may not take full effect until the next time Windows is started.

UNPROTECT NOW may be used to temporarily and quickly remove all checkbox protection settings, for installing software, modifying the desktop configuration, etc. Please note that, because of sometimes small but often significant differences between computers, ONLY checkbox settings are automatically unprotected by the Unprotect function, and that StormWindow listboxes must be set manually. Please also note that certain changes made in StormWindow protection settings may not take full effect until the next time Windows is started.

REPROTECT NOW may be used to restore all previous checkbox protection settings in place at the time the Unprotect Now function was used. Please note that, because of sometimes small but often significant differences between computers, ONLY checkbox settings are automatically reprotected by the Reprotect function, and that StormWindow listboxes must be set manually. Please also note that, because of the severity of the Run Only These Windows Programs command and the Never Run These Windows Programs command, these commands will NOT be automatically reprotected by the Reprotect function, but MUST be set manually. Finally, please note that certain changes made in StormWindow protection settings may not take full effect until the next time Windows is started.

EXIT StormWindow will exit from StormWindow. CAUTION: Any changes made since starting StormWindow WILL be saved. (If you wish to cancel any changes made, you must do so individually before exiting StormWindow.)

NOTE - The Import, Export, Unprotect Now, and Reprotect Now functions do NOT affect, NOR are affected by, the contents of the various listboxes on the Programs Pages. (These functions only involve the checkbox settings on all the other pages.)

You may receive specific information, displayed at the bottom of the main StormWindow window, about each StormWindow command and/or function, by holding the mouse over the control for that command or function.

Desktop Page

StormWindow, in its Desktop page, allows you to restrict access to many Windows desktop features and commands.

CAUTION: Many of these restrictions can be dangerous if not used with care. Consider carefully the impact of each of these desktop restrictions before invoking it. Do not remove any means of access to StormWindow without first making certain that you still have other ways of starting StormWindow. This is important.

You may receive specific information, displayed at the bottom of the main StormWindow window, about each StormWindow command and/or function, by holding the mouse over the control for that command or function.

Taskbar & Toolbar Page

StormWindow, in its Taskbar & Toolbar page, allows you to restrict access to many Windows Taskbar & Toolbar options and commands.

You may receive specific information, displayed at the bottom of the main StormWindow window, about each StormWindow command and/or function, by holding the mouse over the control for that command or function.

Start Menu Pages

StormWindow, in its Start Menu pages, allows you to restrict access to many Windows Start Menu options and commands.

You may receive specific information, displayed at the bottom of the main StormWindow window, about each StormWindow command and/or function, by holding the mouse over the control for that command or function.

Explorer & My Computer Page

StormWindow, in its Explorer page, allows you to restrict access to many features and commands of Windows Explorer.

You may receive specific information, displayed at the bottom of the main StormWindow window, about each StormWindow command and/or function, by holding the mouse over the control for that command or function.

Control Panel Pages

StormWindow, in its Control Panel pages, allows you to restrict access to many Control Panel features.

You may receive specific information, displayed at the bottom of the main StormWindow window, about each StormWindow command and/or function, by holding the mouse over the control for that command or function.

Themes & Active Desktop Page

StormWindow, in its Themes & Active Desktop page, allows you to restrict access to many Windows Themes and Active Desktop options.

You may receive specific information, displayed at the bottom of the main StormWindow window, about each StormWindow command and/or function, by holding the mouse over the control for that command or function.

Windows Installer & Windows Update Page

StormWindow, in its Windows Installer & Windows Update page, allows you to restrict access to many Windows Installer and Windows Update options and commands.

You may receive specific information, displayed at the bottom of the main StormWindow window, about each StormWindow command and/or function, by holding the mouse over the control for that command or function.

System Pages

StormWindow, in its System pages, allows you to restrict access to several sensitive Windows XP system characteristics and functions.

The System pages also allow you to control to a great extent (primarily in the area of Registry security) the amount of security afforded to StormWindow itself.

You may receive specific information, displayed at the bottom of the main StormWindow window, about each StormWindow command and/or function, by holding the mouse over the control for that command or function.

Registry Security

NOTE: The use of these two commands is HIGHLY recommended for helping to prevent guest users from attempting to circumvent StormWindow protection measures.

NO REGISTRATION EDITOR will prevent access to the Windows XP Registration Editor. CAUTION: Do make certain that you still have access to StormWindow (for its own access to the Registration Editor) by some means (such as a functioning Start Menu icon) before disabling normal access to the Registration Editor. This is very important.

NO REGISTRY MERGING will prevent merging of .REG files into the Registry. CAUTION: This checkbox must be UNchecked before installing any new software, since some setup programs may utilize merging to update the System Registry with new settings. This is very important.

My Programs and Shared Programs Pages

There are two StormWindow Programs pages. My Programs is for control over program folders and individual program links that are assigned to you, as an individual user, while Shared Programs is for program folders and links that are generally available to all users on the computer. Both pages share the same features:

The VISIBLE PROGRAMS listboxes will display the individual program links and program folders that are currently accessible through Start Menu Programs and Start Menu Proper. Note that the Startup folder in Start Menu Programs may not be hidden, as Windows will create a new, empty Startup folder the next time Windows is started.

The HIDDEN PROGRAMS listboxes will display the individual program links and program folders that have been removed from Start Menu Programs and Start Menu Proper by StormWindow.

The VISIBLE ICONS listbox will display the individual program links and program folders that are currently available as desktop icons. Note that Windows will not allow the My Computer system icon to be hidden without hiding all desktop icons by using the No Desktop Icons or Access command.

The HIDDEN ICONS listbox will display the desktop icons that have been removed from the desktop by StormWindow.

NOTE - The Import, Export, Unprotect Now, and Reprotect Now functions do NOT affect, NOR are affected by, the contents of the various listboxes on the two Programs Pages. (Those functions only involve the checkbox settings on all the other pages.)

You may receive specific information, displayed at the bottom of the main StormWindow window, about each StormWindow command and/or function, by holding the mouse over the control for that command or function.

My Programs Page

StormWindow, in its My Programs page, allows you to restrict access (as well as restoring normal access) to user program folders and individual program links, whether they are present in Start Menu Programs, in Start Menu Proper, or as desktop icons.

There are actually two StormWindow Programs pages. My Programs is for control over program folders and individual program links that are assigned to you, as an individual user. Shared Programs is for program folders and links that are generally available to all users on the computer. Otherwise, the arrangement of features on the two pages is essentially the same.

The current status of each individual Windows program link (those with the ".lnk" suffix) or DOS PIF file (those with the ".pif" suffix), as well as each program folder (those without any suffix), is displayed in the two listboxes on each of the three property sheets on each of the two Programs Pages.

NOTE - The Import, Export, Unprotect Now, and Reprotect Now functions do NOT affect, NOR are affected by, the contents of the various listboxes on the two Programs Pages. (Those functions only involve the checkbox settings on all the other pages.)

You may receive specific information, displayed at the bottom of the main StormWindow window, about each StormWindow command and/or function, by holding the mouse over the control for that command or function.

Shared Programs Page

StormWindow, in its Shared Programs page, allows you to restrict access (as well as restoring normal access) to shared program folders and individual program links, whether they are present in Start Menu Programs, in Start Menu Proper, or as desktop icons.

There are actually two StormWindow Programs pages. Shared Programs is for control over program folders and links that are generally available to all users on the computer. My Programs is for program folders and individual program links that are assigned to you, as an individual user. Otherwise, the arrangement of features on the two pages is essentially the same.

The current status of each individual Windows program link (those with the ".lnk" suffix) or DOS PIF file (those with the ".pif" suffix), as well as each program folder (those without any suffix), is displayed in the two listboxes on each of the three property sheets on each of the two Programs Pages.

NOTE - The Import, Export, Unprotect Now, and Reprotect Now functions do NOT affect, NOR are affected by, the contents of the various listboxes on the two Programs Pages. (Those functions only involve the checkbox settings on other pages.)

You may receive specific information, displayed at the bottom of the main StormWindow window, about each StormWindow command and/or function, by holding the mouse over the control for that command or function.

Open... Page

StormWindow, in its Open... page, allows you to open up various Windows programs and features from within StormWindow.

(Please note that, depending on the severity of restrictions in place at any one time, not every function on the Open... page will be available.)

You may receive specific information, displayed at the bottom of the main StormWindow window, about each StormWindow command and/or function, by holding the mouse over the control for that command or function.

StormWindow Page

StormWindow, in its StormWindow page, allows you to change StormWindow's own password.

The initial StormWindow password upon installation is "xxxx" (NOT case-sensitive). You MUST change this to a private password of your own choice (4 to 20 characters) as soon as possible.

Note that you MUST remember the password, as you will absolutely NOT be able to start StormWindow without it. This is VERY IMPORTANT !!!

Uninstalling StormWindow

StormWindow should be UNinstalled through Control Panel (Add/Remove Programs icon) . This will remove the StormWindow files and the changes that the Setup program made to your system files. For security purposes, you will need to enter the correct StormWindow password (unless it is still the initial installation password) into the uninstall program.

Note, however, that any uninstallation will NOT be able to undo all of the changes that YOU yourself may have made to your PC by the use of StormWindow AFTER it was installed, so please DO remember that YOU must undo ALL protections BEFORE you proceed to uninstall StormWindow.

About Cetus Software

Cetus Software Inc. is the creator of several Windows security programs, for protecting the desktop and system of Windows computers.

You are welcome to visit our Web site, http://www.cetussoft.com, where you may download for free shareware copies of all of our programs.

Shareware copies of Cetus security utilities are also available for downloading from many sites on the Internet (although we do recommend using our web site, which will always have the latest versions).

Cetus Software mailing address:

Cetus Software Inc.
Post Office Box 1450
Marshfield, MA 02050 USA

Cetus Software may be reached by:

Email: cetus@cetussoft.com

Voice/Fax: 781-834-4411

Cetus Software thanks you for your interest in our products !!!

Shareware Evaluation

A limited license is granted by Cetus Software to any individual user or institution to install and test a shareware copy of StormWindow on ONE computer for a 25-DAY evaluation period. At the end of this trial period, StormWindow MUST be removed from that computer. It is expressly PROHIBITED to install a shareware copy of StormWindow on MULTIPLE computers under ANY condition.

Registering StormWindow

A Single-PC copy of StormWindow may be registered to an individual (NON-institutional) user for $30.00 (diskettes $10.00 additional).

A Single-Building copy of StormWindow may be registered to an institution for $120.00 (diskettes $10.00 additional).

A Corporate License may be obtained for multiple sites, the cost being determined primarily by the actual number of locations to be registered. Please contact Cetus Software for details.

As a service to StormWindow users, a license for StormWindow for Windows XP is automatically extended to the use of any other version of StormWindow, at no additional cost.  (For the Single-PC License, this is only applicable for use on one dual-boot or multi-boot computer.) The same registration code is applicable to any of the current versions of StormWindow. Copies of the latest releases of each program are available for free downloading from our web site, http://www.cetussoft.com.

For payment, Cetus Software can accept a registration paid for by a check in USD, or a registration by purchase order (to be paid for later by a check in USD). We can also accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express (but please note that, at the time of registration, we need the EXACT and COMPLETE billing name AND address of the CARDHOLDER for card verification before we can process a credit card order). We even accept wired money transfers in $US (our bank is Citizens Bank, ABA 011500120, account 1102179555).

Cetus Software mailing address:

Cetus Software Inc.
Post Office Box 1450
Marshfield, MA 02050 USA

Cetus Software may be reached by:

Email: CetusSoft@aol.com

Web: http://www.cetussoft.com

Telephone/Fax: 781-834-4411

Individual Licenses

An Individual (Single-PC) License for StormWindow entitles a registered individual (NON-institutional) user to install StormWindow on any ONE computer that he/she personally owns, but he/she must NOT allow his/her registered copy of the program to be installed or used on any other computer. Furthermore, a Single-PC copy of StormWindow registered to an individual user may be legally installed on his/her own PERSONALLY owned computer at an institution, but that individually licensed copy of StormWindow may NOT be installed on any other computer(s) at that institution.

An Individual (Single-PC) License for StormWindow is intended to be used ONLY by an individual private user on his/her own computer, and may be purchased ONLY by an individual (NOT by an institution). Cetus Software will NOT accept any registration order from an individual that is to be paid for with an institutional check.

A Single-PC copy of StormWindow may be registered to an individual (NON-institutional) user for $30.00 (diskettes $10.00 additional).

Registered Single-PC copies of StormWindow will be clearly marked to show that a Single-PC License has been granted to one particular named individual.

As a service to StormWindow users, a license for StormWindow for Windows XP is automatically extended to the use of any other version of StormWindow, at no additional cost.  (For the Single-PC License, this is only applicable for use on one dual-boot or multi-boot computer.) The same registration code is applicable to any of the current versions of StormWindow. Copies of the latest releases of each program are available for free downloading from our web site, http://www.cetussoft.com.

Site Licenses

A Single-Building Site License for StormWindow entitles the registered institution (school building, business location, organization headquarters, etc.) to install the program on an unlimited number of computer(s) belonging to that institution at ONE particular specified location, but registered copies of the program may NOT be distributed beyond the boundaries of that particular location.

Please note that it is NOT the NUMBER of computer installations BUT it is the intended USE of the computers at an institution that require an institutional Site License. (An institution that intends to install StormWindow on only one PC must still purchase a Site License.)

A Single-Building copy of StormWindow may be registered to an institution for $120.00 (diskettes $10.00 additional).

Registered Single-Building copies of StormWindow will be clearly marked to show that a Single-Building Site License has been granted for use at one particular named location.

As a service to StormWindow users, a license for StormWindow for Windows XP is automatically extended to the use of any other version of StormWindow, at no additional cost.  (For the Single-PC License, this is only applicable for use on one dual-boot or multi-boot computer.) The same registration code is applicable to any of the current versions of StormWindow. Copies of the latest releases of each program are available for free downloading from our web site, http://www.cetussoft.com.

Corporate Licenses

A Corporate License for StormWindow entitles the registered institution (school system, business organization, etc.) to install the program on an UNlimited number of computer(s) belonging to that institution at an UNlimited number of sites, but registered copies of the program may NOT be distributed beyond the boundaries of sites belonging to that particular institution.

A Corporate License may be obtained for multiple sites; the cost is determined by the actual number of locations to be registered as well as by the number of registered diskettes required (one per institution or one per each site). Please contact Cetus Software for details.

Registered Corporate licensed copies of StormWindow will be clearly marked to show that a Corporate License has been granted to one particular named institution.

As a service to StormWindow users, a license for StormWindow for Windows XP is automatically extended to the use of any other version of StormWindow, at no additional cost.  (For the Single-PC License, this is only applicable for use on one dual-boot or multi-boot computer.) The same registration code is applicable to any of the current versions of StormWindow. Copies of the latest releases of each program are available for free downloading from our web site, http://www.cetussoft.com.

A StormWindow Registration Form is appended below :

StormWindow REGISTRATION FORM - PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY

Date ->

Name of Registered User (for Individual License) -


(or) Name of Registered Institution (for Site License) -


(If multiple, list on the back of this form.)

Contact Person ->

Mailing Address ->

Mailing Address ->

Mailing Address ->

Daytime Telephone Number (with Area Code) ->

E-Mail Address ->

Please fill in the appropriate line with the amount enclosed -

One Individual License @ $30.00 = $    .00

(Or)     Site License(s) @ $120.00 = $    .00

(IF DISKETTES ARE REQUIRED, THE COST IS $10.00 ADDITIONAL.)

(Massachusetts residents:  Please include 5% state sales tax.)

Please send this form, along with payment or purchase order to:

                 Cetus Software Inc.
                 Post Office Box 1450
                 Marshfield, MA 02050, USA

CETUS SOFTWARE THANKS YOU FOR YOUR StormWindow REGISTRATION.
