Limit the way users can use your computer

It is possible to limit the way a computer is used by normal users or user accounts of your choice. Here is an example of an application that is used by multiple people in a house and each with their own user account. You are the administrator and you want your children, brothers or sisters etc to be able to log on to the computer between the hours of 2pm and 6pm and on the weekends only. With this tip you will be able to choose the day(s) and hour range of your choice. If a person tries to open a session with a limited user account, then they will see this message:

Here is how you can apply this restriction:

Open a session with an account that possesses Administration rights.

Open a DOS console by clicking on the Start menu and typing cmd into the run box.

Let’s take the example that your child uses the account called “Paul” to open his Windows session. Enter the following command at the DOS prompt:
Net user paul /times:S-D,14-18

It is possible to combine different hours, adding for example the use of the PC between the hours of 5pm and 7pm on Thursdays. You can do this by entering the following command:
Net user paul /times:S-D,14-18,J,17-19

The group of the restrictions on a user account will stay active until you decide to cancel them. To cancel all times you will need to enter the following command:
Net user paul /times:all

If you want more information about a user account, enter the following command:
Net user xxxxx (xxxxx is the name of the user account that you want to view).

Note:
This restriction allows you to block only the opening of a session to certain hours. If a user opens a session 2 minutes before the end of the time limit then they can use the PC for as long as they like. The session will not automatically close at the end of the time range.