How to authorize standard users to install drivers on Windows XP

virtualboxwindows-server-2003windows-xp

I'm currently looking for a way to autorize my non administrators users to perform an installation of drivers.

Here is the speech:

All my users are standard users, they got a VirtualBox Hypervisor if they need the administrator rights.

But if they put an USB device on the local machine and try to redirect the device to the Virtual Machine, Windows ask for some Administrator rights.

I've try to set up those GPO:

  • Allow standard users to install drivers.
  • Install WHQL Drivers: Allow Silently.

I don't know how to do this.

Best Answer

The answer realistically is to upgrade. This is functionality was requested about 8 years ago and provided for in windows vista on up. There are specfic security enhancements pertaining to drivers and controlled by security policies now (Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\System\Driver Installation). While there are partial workarounds that kinda get you there, all of them cause more headaches and other issues then they are worth. You'll spend more time fiddling around with this issue than you would dealing with any potential compatability issues with windows 7.

If you are really stuck with windows XP for some reason your best option is to preinstall the USB drivers required for the devices.

Related Topic