Windows XP Pro SP3, IE8 (8.0.6001.18702), within local gpedit.msc I did the below:
User Config/Admin Temp/Windows Comp/IE
enabled: disable changing temporary internet file settings
User Config/Admin Temp/Windows Comp/IE/Delete Browsing History
enabled all (11 items)
However there is a loophole that lets me still wipe history & other files via: Tools, Internet Options, Browsing History, Settings, View Objects, delete everything, hit up arrow, go to History (hidden folders has to be on), delete everything
Only way around this I can see is to disable General Internet Options Page via group policy, setup NTFS folder restrictions on that temp internet files (worried about adverse affects like not being able to store them), or further grind-down group policy somewhere else to prevent deleting files. Just odd group policy wouldn't have a settings to simply disable the Browser History Settings button (as it further shows the location which a user could just go to). So just curious if someone can confirm maybe this is simply not available in group policy & their suggested action