Besides Microsoft's toolkit, another blocker to prevent the installation of IE7. IntelliAdmin IE7 Blocking Tool enables network administrators to block the automatic installation of IE7 via Windows Updates. It creates the registry key DoNotAllowIE70 that Microsoft provides to prevent the automatic installation of IE7. The program can enables/disable the registry key remotely on selected machines over the network (Admin access required). Publisher IntelliNavigator Inc File Size 776 kb Version 1.0 Added Oct 11, 2006 License Freeware Windows 98/ME/2000/XP Requirements None LINK

Would you happen to know if someone who gets their Windows Updates manually (as opposed to getting them automatically) needs to block this installation? I'm confused as to whether this IE7 will force itself upon everyone, whether you want it or not... Thanks! clammer

Relax :-) Automatic update will notify you when IE7 is ready to install and show a welcome screen that presents key features and choices to “Install”, “Don’t Install”, or “Ask Me Later.” It will not be arbitrarily installed on your machine without your permission. Having given you the answer, I fail to appreciate the value of a third party blocker. i_XpUser

XpUser, the value of a third-party blocker is when you can't download the Microsoft blocker from their own website - even when you're running an authentic version of XP. (See my post further down.)

Thanks for the pointer, Cyberian :-) i_XpUser

It's true that users will be able to accept or reject the installation of IE7. In a perfect world that would be sufficient. The reality is mistakes happen; some users are not as careful as they could be. Add to the mix Microsoft's own track record of final releases (as for RC1 itself, the RC should stand for really chancy) some users have decided to wait a few months before installing the final of IE7. It's well advised. Depending on the user's PC configuration, removing a program - should it not uninstall properly - can be an epic task. Especially if you have to go into the registry and pull it out by the teeth. With Microsoft's tendency to interlock some programs with other programs, or parts of the operating system, nothing short of an OS reinstallation could be required. Sometimes a System Restore point just isn't enough. Unless you've mirrored your drive, block it and wait. Let the eager beavers try it and let the dust settle.

Good info... thanks everyone! clammer