litton1, i was trying to use $HTTP_SERVER_VARS['REMOTE_USER'] to get the loginID. EG if the user logged in as USER1 in windows, then $HTTP_SERVER_VARS['REMOTE_USER'] should capture USER1.
but perhaps i have used the wrong method. if $HTTP_SERVER_VARS['REMOTE_USER'] is unable to capture the loginID, may i ask what is the correct method?