".. but it only does this by user.. not by computer.."
??
Group policy can be applied to whatever you want it to be applied to. Just because a policy is under User Configuration means nothing. It's what you apply that GPO to.

These keys are supposed to disable the network for the computer, and if u want to disable network on Explorer then follow step 2.

Step - 1

Change values from 0 to 1

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Network]
"NoEntireNetwork"=dword:00000001

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer]
"NoStartMenuNetworkPlaces"=dword:00000001

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
Explorer]
"NoNetHood"=dword:00000001


Copy this link to your IE, save the file to your Desktop and apply it on the targeted computer.
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/regs_edits/networkplacesremove.reg

it doesn't appear to..

I took the user out of the OU that the group policy is applied to.. and put the computer in the OU..
The security restrictions that were applied to the user did not apply to the computer...

moh10ly: that might come in handy.. but I really would like to leave network places (network neighborhood).. I just want to lock the users out of "Network Connections"

Hide Control Panel Applets
http://www.pctools.com/guides/registry/detail/522/

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\don't load]
ncpa.cpl REG_SZ "no"
netcpl.cpl REG_SZ "no"

ncpa.cpl REG_SZ "no" = is already there

and the netcpl.cpl file does not exist on this Windows XP laptop..

I know how to hide the icon from the control panel..
but how do I keep My Network Places from loading it..
 either by right clicking on the icon and choosing properties
or by double clicking on the icon and choosing 'view netwok connections' on the left..

(without getting rid of the icon..)

Kenneniah..

That sounds great.. looking into it..
Thanks

You could probably disable Common Tasks in Folder Options. Then you shouldnt see the Network Connections on the left hand side....

Slightly different policies, but has worked well for us. For example, we use it to set their proxy server to a certain one when at the own desks, but we also have what we call "Library" computers for users to use on breaks that have less restrcited internet access. So when logged on at their desk, group policy assigns them one proxy server, but when at the Library PC, they are assigned another.

proxy management is actually part of what I am doing..

locking the laptops down so that my profiles in (Globesoft.com) MultiNetwork Manager is the only way users can change the network, Dial-up, Aircard, Wireless and proxy settings..