MSN Messenger 6.2 1

[bulkmail]

Hi,

I was wondering if there was a way to have MSN IM ask for username and password, or at the least a password when logging on to the computer. I am trying to prevent people from going onto other peoples comps and launching MSN IM.

Thanks in advance,

BM

 

[bcastner]

Why not start at the source: all users on the workstations should have secure passwords set.

If you cannot logon, you cannot IM.

 

[bulkmail]

Hi,

Thanks for replying bcastner!

No. I think I need to re-explain. User A logs on, user A opens MSN IM, user A walks away from comp, user B decides to use comp without other permission of user A. user B opens up MSN and decides to look through email. Or if IM is not on, other user decides to just launch the program which automatically signs in as user A. User B now has access to hotmail account that belongs to user A.

I know they can lock the comp. But at most, users tend to forget or think that nothing will happen.

In short, I do not want to discuss practices of computer use in an office and ethical reasons of sorts. I just want to know if MSN can be enabled to ask for a password when launching the icon in case IM is not active and someone decides to use another persons comp and launch the app.

Thanks again,

BM

 

[TonHu]

You could wrap msn.exe (or whatever its name may be) with RunAsUser (

http://www.palmersoft.co.uk/Runasuser.htm)

HTH
TonHu

 

[gpalmer711]

For MSN messenger if you open the options screen and then click on the Privicy Tab there are two tick boxes.

1) "Always ask me for my password when checking hotmail or other .net enabled web pages"

2) "This is a shared computer so don't display my tabs"

Make sure these are ticked.

Also on the General tab, untick "Allow automatic sign in when connected to the internet".



Greg Palmer
Free Software for Adminstrators

http://www.palmersoft.co.uk

 

[bcastner]

Perhaps using an idle time triggered and password enabled screensaver: thread779-756323

 

[bulkmail]

Thanks gpalmer, that takes care of the hotmail part but you can still have IM access if you decide to run the porgram. Not sure if prompting for credentials is even an option. Unless I am more blind than I think cause I did not even see the "always ask me for my password..." check box.

bcastner, yeah, screensaver(lock)is set through domain gp after 5 min.

Thanks once more,

BM

 

[gpalmer711]

Unfortunatlty if someone is signed in to MSN Messenger then there is nothing you can do, I think it is really down to staff training. Either getting them to lock workstations when leaving machine or shortening the 5 minute delay (not sure the staff would appreciate that though!!!).

Greg Palmer
Free Software for Adminstrators

http://www.palmersoft.co.uk

 

[Marcs41]

Tools - Options _ General, 3rd check box 'Allow automatic sign in' to turn that off.

But, if the IM is logged in, as mentioned above, there is nothing you can do.

But you said:

In short, I do not want to discuss practices of computer use in an office and ethical reasons of sorts

Now THAT is EXACTLY what it comes down to. The users are responsible for their actions and they should be very well aware of their 'wrong' behaviour.
To make a car analogy, if you leave your car running, thus with the keys in it, don't go complain if it gets stolen.

Marc
_{If 'something' 'somewhere' gives 'some' error, expect random guesses or no replies at all. Please specify details.
Free Tip: The F1 Key does NOT destroy your PC!}
How Do I Get Great Answers To my Tek-Tips Questions? See faq222-2244

 

[bulkmail]

Thanks for you participation marc. But that is not what i want. Automatic sign in still lets the user bypass any type of user credentials. So, so far, the answer to my question is "no". =(

As for my statement about office practices, I just wanted an answer to my question and avoid this post turning into a discussion about policies and proceedures. know what i mean?

Thanks once more,

BM

 

[gpalmer711]

In answer to your original question I had a thought, The login for MSN messenger is basically your .NET user name and password.

As this is a Microsoft technology I though that they must have included a feature for admins to stop the .NET password being associated with a user account.

And they have

Click on Start > then Run > Type GPEDIT.MSC > Click OK

Go the the following setting and then enable it.

Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policy > Security Options > "Network Accesso not allow storage of credential or .NET passwords for network authentication."

Then restart the machine, now the password will not be saved.



Greg Palmer
Free Software for Adminstrators

http://www.palmersoft.co.uk

 

[Marcs41]

I know what you mean, BUT, the answers to your question comes down to, I am sorry, policies and procedures.

All possible routes have been explained by several members here above, so .. the ball is in your camp now.

Marc
_{If 'something' 'somewhere' gives 'some' error, expect random guesses or no replies at all. Please specify details.
Free Tip: The F1 Key does NOT destroy your PC!}
How Do I Get Great Answers To my Tek-Tips Questions? See faq222-2244

 

[bulkmail]

Thanks Greg!

That did the trick (gpedit).

BM

 

[Marcs41]

Until someone changes that back ;-)

 

[gpalmer711]

Only users at Admin level have access to gpedit.msc, limited users receive and error on trying to run it.

Greg Palmer
Free Software for Adminstrators

http://www.palmersoft.co.uk

 

[bulkmail]

Yeah i know that. I am going to make that a policy under AD untill someone important b1tch3s.

Thanks!
BM