PlanetEnjoy.com

How to disable Windows Scripting Host

These instructions explain how to tell whether Windows Scripting Host (WSH) is installed on your machine and how to disable the running of VBS scripts. This can prevent some worms from infecting your computer.

When Windows, Internet Explorer or some other products are installed or upgraded, Windows Scripting Host might be reinstalled. You would then have to repeat the procedures described below.

Important note: Some applications require Windows Scripting Host. They will cease to function if it is disabled or removed.
What to do

* Windows 98
* Windows 95
* Windows NT 4.0
* Windows 2000/Me/XP/2003

Windows 98

WSH is installed if you choose a standard installation of the operating system, or if you install Internet Explorer 5, or if you download WSH from Microsoft.

To disable WSH, preventing scripts from being run:

1. From the Windows taskbar, select Start|Settings|Control Panel.
2. In the Control Panel screen, double-click the ‘Add/Remove programs’ icon.
3. In the Add/Remove Programs window, open the Windows Setup tabbed page. Select ‘Accessories’ and double-click.

Windows 98 screenshot
4. In the Accessories list, find ‘Windows Scripting Host’.
5. Click on the check-box by ‘Windows Scripting Host’ to deselect it.
6. Click ‘OK’ to return to the Add/Remove Programs window. Then click on ‘OK’.

Windows 95

WSH is installed if you install Internet Explorer 5, or if you download WSH from Microsoft.

To prevent scripts with a .VBS extension from being run:

1. On the Desktop, or in ‘Windows Explorer, right-click on ‘My Computer’.
2. Select ‘Open’ from the menu.
3. In the My Computer window, open the View menu and select ‘Options…’.
4. Open the File Types tabbed page.

Windows 95 screenshot
5. These instructions explain how to tell whether Windows Scripting Host (WSH) is installed on your machine and look for ‘VBScript Script File’ in the list of file types (if you can’t find it, you don’t need to do anything else).
6. Click on the Remove button.
7. If you see a dialog asking you to confirm removal, click ‘Yes’.

Windows NT 4.0

WSH is installed if you install Internet Explorer 5, or if you download WSH from Microsoft.

To prevent scripts with a .VBS extension from being run:

1. Log on as an administrator.
2. On the Desktop, or in Windows Explorer, right-click on ‘My Computer’.
3. Select ‘Open’ from the menu.
4. In the My Computer window, open the View menu and select ‘Options’.
5. Open the File Types tabbed page.

Windows NT 4.0 screenshot
6. Look for ‘VBScript Script File’ in the list of file types (if you can’t find it, you don’t need to do anything else).
7. Click on the ‘Remove button.
8. If you see a dialog asking you to confirm removal, click ‘Yes’.

Windows 2000/Me/XP/2003

WSH is installed by default.

To prevent scripts with a .VBS extension from being run:

1. Log on as an Administrator.
2. On the Desktop, or in Windows Explorer, right-click on ‘My Computer’.
3. Select ‘Open’ from the menu.
4. In the My Computer window, open the Tools menu and select ‘Folder Options’.
5. Open the File Types tabbed page.

Windows 2000 and Windows Me
6. Look for ‘VBScript Script File’ in the list of file types (if you can’t find it, you don’t need to do anything else).
7. Click on the Delete button.
8. If you see a dialog asking you to confirm removal, click ‘Yes’.