How do I remove the logoff option from the Windows XP shutdown dialog?

I have a handful of Windows XP workstations available for public use. They are configured to autologin at startup.

However, for some reason when some users finish using the workstation, they have the annoying habit of going to the Start menu, clicking the shutdown button, and selecting "logoff". So, the next person who wants to use the computer is unable to because they can't log in.

Is there a way to remove the logoff option in the shutdown dialog?

The logoff button is already hidden on the Start menu.

I do not want to disable logoff entirely. I would still like to access it from the Ctrl+Alt+Del window to perform maintenance tasks as another user.

You may also want to consider the ForceAutoLogon value. This value tells Windows to automatically log back on (with the autologon credentials) when someone logs off.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon

Name: ForceAutoLogon
Type: REG_SZ
Value: 1

According to technet, you need to edit the registry.

Here are the steps, in case you are unable to view the link:

To disable Log off

1. Type regedit in Start menu search box and then hit enter
2. Navigate to the following key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer

3. In the right-pane, create a new DWORD value named StartMenuLogOff and set value to 1.

To disable switch user

4. Navigate to the following key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE \Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System

5. In the right-pane, create a new DWORD value named HideFastUserSwitching and set value to 1.

To disable Lock

6. Under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE \Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System, create a new DWORD value named DisableLockWorkstation and set value to 1.

Then, please restart the computer.

You can disable logoff option in Windows XP from 'Start Menu' using group policy editor

Removing Log Off from the Start Menu

• Start Group Policy Editor (Start > Run > “gpedit.msc”)
• In the left panel, go to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar
• In the right panel, enable Remove Logoff on the Start Menu

Removing Log Off from Task Manager

• Start Group Policy Editor (Start > Run > “gpedit.msc”)
• In the left panel, go to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Ctrl+Alt+Del Options
• In the right panel, enable Remove Logoff