Disable usb storage devices

Question

Is there a way to programmatically disable usb storage devices from working while still keeping usb ports functional for other types of devices like keyboards and mice?

Answer 1

Taken from here, not tested:

Directions for Use:

1.)  Take the following blue text, copy it, and paste it into a text  document.  Then, save it as USBSTOR.ADM.
CLASS MACHINE
CATEGORY "Custom Policies"
KEYNAME "SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\UsbStor"
  POLICY "USB Mass Storage Installation"
   EXPLAIN "When this policy is enabled, USB mass storage device permissions can be changed by using the drop down box.

Selecting 'Grant Permission' will allow USB mass storage devices to be installed.  Selecting 'Deny Permission' will prohibit
the installation of USB mass storage devices.

IF REMOVING THIS POLICY: Reset to original setting and let policy propegate before deleting policy."
     PART "Change Settings:" DROPDOWNLIST REQUIRED
       VALUENAME "Start"
       ITEMLIST
        NAME "Grant Permission" VALUE NUMERIC 3 DEFAULT
        NAME "Deny Permission" VALUE NUMERIC 4
       END ITEMLIST
     END PART
   END POLICY
END CATEGORY

2.)  Open a group policy management console (gpedit.msc), and right click on "administrative templates" under "Computer Configuration".  Select "Add/Remove Templates".

3.)  Browse to the text document you just saved and click OK.  You'll now see "Custom Policies" under "Administrative Templates".  Right click on it, select "View", then select "Filtering".  Uncheck the bottom box, labeled "Only show policy settings that can be fully managed".

4.)  Click ok.  Now you'll see the USB policy available for use under the custom policy heading.  From there, you can enable or disable it just like any other policy.

or (to disable USB storage devices, tested on XP SP3)

REG ADD "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\USBSTOR" /v Start /t REG_DWORD /d 4 /f

(to enable USB storage devices, tested on XP SP3)

REG ADD "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\USBSTOR" /v Start /t REG_DWORD /d 3 /f