320-Prohibit patching

Computer/User Node :

   MACHINE

Policy Path :

   Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Windows Installer

Supported on :

   At least Microsoft Windows 2000

Help/Explain Text :

   Prevents users from using Windows Installer to install patches. Patches are updates or upgrades that replace only those program files that have changed. Because patches can be easy vehicles for malicious programs, some installations prohibit their use. Note: This setting applies only to installations that run in the user's security context. By default, users who are not system administrators cannot apply patches to installations that run with elevated system privileges, such as those offered on the desktop or in Add or Remove Programs. Also, see the Enable user to patch elevated products setting.

Registry Settings :

  HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Installer!DisablePatch