I didn't know about that.
i tried to access it on my system it and it doesn't have the gpedit.msc.

found this-
[ If you can't access gpedit, you can do it with the registry editor. Run "regedit" (without the quotes), open HKEY_CURRENT_USER > Software > Microsoft > Windows> CurrentVersion > Policies > Explorer. Right click on "NoControlPanel", then set the value to "1", which will then disable the control panel for the current user. If you want to enable it, just reset the value to "0". ]
http://www.astahost.com/info.php/Dis...nel_t6314.html
{if you use this make sure to apply the changes on the correct user}

I also did some searches and found a few more things.

This free program is for Vista -
looks quit simple to use -
http://download.cnet.com/VistAble/30...html?tag=mncol


and a free to try program -
[With Access Boss you can set security restrictions for each user. All these user restrictions can be tweaked with Windows Registry Editor. However, Access Boss gives you more convenient user interface.

Disable Task Manager - Disables Windows Task Manager. Although it is impossible to detect Access Boss Agent with Windows task manager or other process viewer, you may take benefit from this option if you have another software you don't want to be detected and killed.

Disable Registry Editor - Disables Regedit.

Disable Display Properties - Prohibits user to change Windows themes, desktop and screen saver settings and tune the display properties.

Disable Internet Properties - Prohibits user to change Internet Explorer settings.

Disable Command Line - Disables Windows Command Prompt.

Disable Control Panel Applets - Prohibits user to open Control Panel or start any CPL files.

Disable Desktop - Removes all desktop icons.

Disable Taskbar Properties - Disables taskbar and start menu properties.

Disable Search item in Start menu - Removes Search from Windows Start menu and disables Win+F key.

Disable Run item in Start menu - Removes Run from Windows Start menu and disables Win+R key.

Disable Recent Docs in Start menu - Removes My Recent Documents from Windows Start menu.

Disable All Programs - Removes All Programs from Windows Start menu. This option works only if XP style menu is enabled. It has no effect if Classic Start menu is in use.

Disable Start menu modifications - Prohibits user to change start menu items.

Disable Network Places in Start menu - removes My Network Places from Start menu.

Disable Computers Near Me - removes Computers Near Me in My Network Places.

Block Access to drives - Tick the drive letters that will be inaccessible for the user. The drives will be blocked from Windows Explorer and Explorer-based applications. However they may be accessible by some not Explorer-based programs.

With this security restrictions you can create a limited working environment for your users.

30-days trial period and very affordable price

Access Boss is distributed on try before buy principle. You may evaluate it free for 30 days.

Download Access Boss-
http://fspro.net/cgi-bin/sws/go.pl?distr=1

If you decide to keep Access Boss, you have to buy it. 29.95]
Version: 3.2

Released: 01-Oct-2008

Supported OS: XP, 2003, Vista

x64 Support: Compatible

License: Free to try, $29.95 to buy.]
http://www.fspro.net/access-boss/

I just did a quick search and found this one, but there are other programs like it I'm sure.