How to keep network from locking out a desktop?

12 Dec 2006 8:16 PM

lannybudd

I have a piece of equipment controlled from a networked PC (Windows XP
on a Microsoft network). The PC cannot be restarted without the
equipment losing communication with the PC. The logged in user cannot
be changed without the equipment losing communication. What happens now
is that when a user is done with the equipment and walks away, the
network waits for a period of inactivity (maybe a half hour or so) and
locks the desktop. The next user has to chase down the previous user
and have them log back in. God forbid they have left for the day.

IT will not create a group account for the PC. IT has forbidden sharing
passwords. The PC can't be disconnected from the network to stand
alone.

What I need is software that will mimic a mouse movement or a keystroke
every once in a while to convince the network that the PC is
continuously being used.

Any suggestions?

12 Dec 2006 9:58 PM

Chuck

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On 12 Dec 2006 12:16:40 -0800, "lannybudd" <lannyb***@my-deja.com> wrote:

>I have a piece of equipment controlled from a networked PC (Windows XP
>on a Microsoft network). The PC cannot be restarted without the
>equipment losing communication with the PC. The logged in user cannot
>be changed without the equipment losing communication. What happens now
>is that when a user is done with the equipment and walks away, the
>network waits for a period of inactivity (maybe a half hour or so) and
>locks the desktop. The next user has to chase down the previous user
>and have them log back in. God forbid they have left for the day.
>
>IT will not create a group account for the PC. IT has forbidden sharing
>passwords. The PC can't be disconnected from the network to stand
>alone.
>
>What I need is software that will mimic a mouse movement or a keystroke
>every once in a while to convince the network that the PC is
>continuously being used.
>
>Any suggestions?

Check the power settings on the network card.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/does-your-computer-lose-network.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/does-your-computer-lose-network.html

Does your IT group require a locking screensaver? If so, won't they disapprove
of software that mimics computer use?

Shared computers are a problem. Desktops locking on disuse are a security
policy. Software that depends upon mimicking shared computers, as being in use,
is a security risk.

--
Cheers,
Chuck, MS-MVP [Windows - Networking]
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/
Paranoia is not a problem, when it's a normal response from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck mvps org.

12 Dec 2006 10:32 PM

Richard G. Harper

The best solution to this problem is one that you and your IT department
work out together. As it stands now it looks like you're trying to weasel
around your corporate rules and that could cost you your job or subject
yourself to disciplinary action. If this is a company computer, a company
process and a company project, then the solution needs to be a company
solution.

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Shell/User] rghar***@gmail.com
* NEW! Catch my blog ... http://msmvps.com/blogs/rgharper/
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* The Website - http://rgharper.mvps.org/
* HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm

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"lannybudd" <lannyb***@my-deja.com> wrote in message
news:1165954600.413370.36520@79g2000cws.googlegroups.com...
>I have a piece of equipment controlled from a networked PC (Windows XP
> on a Microsoft network). The PC cannot be restarted without the
> equipment losing communication with the PC. The logged in user cannot
> be changed without the equipment losing communication. What happens now
> is that when a user is done with the equipment and walks away, the
> network waits for a period of inactivity (maybe a half hour or so) and
> locks the desktop. The next user has to chase down the previous user
> and have them log back in. God forbid they have left for the day.
>
> IT will not create a group account for the PC. IT has forbidden sharing
> passwords. The PC can't be disconnected from the network to stand
> alone.
>
> What I need is software that will mimic a mouse movement or a keystroke
> every once in a while to convince the network that the PC is
> continuously being used.
>
> Any suggestions?
>

13 Dec 2006 8:51 AM

Ian

You can create a random mouse-movement with an AutoIt executable.

http://autoitscript.com

I think it's also possible with VBscript.

The lock-machine mechanism is something that needs some redesign anyway; if
a user activates this and leaves the building, even the sysadmin can't shut
the computer down, because doing so will lose data. What's worse is that
there is no way of telling what data will be lost, so the worst has to be
assumed.