Disable the ability to switch to to TTYs (Ctrl-Alt-F1 - F6)

This document (7001724) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.

Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop (SLED), Server (SLES), or openSUSE

Situation

Need to disable the ability to switch to a text based terminal using the key combinations of Ctrl-Alt-F1 through F6. These terminals are commonly referred to as TTY1 through 6 or VT1 through 6.

Resolution

The Ctrl-Alt-F1 through F6 key combinations can be disabled by editing the file"/etc/X11/xorg.conf then locating the section "ServerFlags". In the ServerFlags section add the following line:

Option “DontVTSwitch” “true”

As a side note, you can also disable the Ctrl-Alt-BackSpace key combination to restart the X server by adding the following line to this same section:

Option “DontZap” “true”

Disclaimer

This Support Knowledgebase provides a valuable tool for SUSE customers and parties interested in our products and solutions to acquire information, ideas and learn from one another. Materials are provided for informational, personal or non-commercial use within your organization and are presented "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.