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WinXPTutor's XP Resources

Windows XP Tips, Illustrations and registry edits

Error "Administrator has denied permission to use Windows Messenger" while inviting someone to help you using Remote Assistance

When you click Invite someone to help you link in the Remote Assistance page in Help and Support Center, you may see the following message:

 Remote Assistance

An Administrator has denied permission to use Windows Messenger. For more information contact your Administrator.

This happens if the PreventRun policy setting is enabled in the registry or via Group Policy Editor. To remove this restrictions, try this:

  • Click Start, Run and type REGEDIT
  • Navigate to this key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Policies \ Microsoft \ Messenger \ Client

  • In the right-pane, double-click PreventRun and set it to to 0
  • Repeat the same in the following key: (if the value exists)

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ Software \ Policies \ Microsoft \ Messenger \ Client

Close Registry Editor and restart Windows. Now, open Help and Support Center. The restrictions message should no longer be displayed.

Using Group Policy Editor for Windows XP Professional

Click Start, click Run, type gpedit.msc, and then press ENTER. Double-click the following items to expand them:

Local Computer Policy
=> Computer Configuration
==> Administrative Templates
===> Windows Components
====> Windows Messenger

Double-click Do not allow Windows Messenger to run, and then click Disabled. Click OK, and then quit the Group Policy snap-in.