Startup logon query 1

[G0AOZ]

Remote farm site has automatic milking facility which logs information on the computer. User also requires Remote Desktop access to this computer from home to check machinery is running ok. Remote Desktop access works fine through an ADSL router.

Problem: Because of regular power outages, a UPS has been installed. This works fine for power cuts of upto half an hour or so, but if the power fails for longer than that, then the UPS dies along with the PC. This in itself is not a major problem as UPS and PC are set to start up automatically after a loss of power. The problem is that the milking facility information programme won't start running until username and password have been typed in at the Windows logon screen.

Other than a massive investment in an auto-switch UPS and generator system, does anyone have any suggestions please?

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[Rick998]

Unless there are any secutity issues, why don't you configure the PC to logon to Windows automatically?

1. Click Start, click Run, and type control userpasswords2.

2. Clear the check box for "Users must enter a username and password to use this computer check box". (Attention: Before you deselect the option, if you have more than one user account in the list below, highlight the account you want the OS to log into automatically. This account will be the default login account).

3. Click Apply.

4. Enter the user name and password you wish to automatically log on with, and then click OK. (The default username will be the username highlighted in the previous window).

5. Click OK again.

Alternatively, download and install TweakUI from the 'Powertoys for Windows XP' collection available from

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&ct...fEqFehX-LjQf4uY=&sig2=Hh_STct_vO5TMu6BQHndFg.

Once installed, run TweakUI XP and expand the 'Logon' section then, in 'Autologon', set the default username and password to be used.

If you are worried about security you can use the above to get the PC to logon to Windows automatically then use the following to lock it until you want to use it remotely.

a. Right-click on the desktop and select New | Shortcut from the context menu to access the Create Shortcut wizard.

b. Type rundll32.exe user32.dll, LockWorkStation in the "Type the location of the item" text box and click 'Next'. (Take note of the uppercase letters in the word LockWorkStationas you type it - if you don't use the exact case, the shortcut will fail.)

c. Type 'Lock Down' in the 'Type A Name For This Shortcut' text box and click 'Finish'.

d. Double-click the 'Lock Down' shortcut to make sure that ii works correctly.

e. Drag the 'Lock Down' shortcut over to the 'Start' menu and place it in the 'All Programs | Startup' folder.

Now when you turn on or reboot your system, it will automatically log on and then display the 'Unlock Computer' dialog box or the 'Welcome' screen while startup programs continue to load in the background.

Hope this information helps...

 

[click]

Rick998 has a great point. You should also check to see if you have the UPS software installed, along with the cable between the UPS and the PC. A lot of times this gets neglected. Usually the software can be customized so that if the power is going to exhaust the UPS, it shuts down the PC automatically, instead of just cutting the power off. It also has(or should have) a procedure to restart the PC after the power comes back on to the UPS. Click.

 

[linney]

This might come into play too, despite Automatic Logon to XP?

How To Turn On Remote Desktop Automatic Logon in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/281262#appliesto

Now all I have to work out is how XP gets the "Cups" on the cow's teats?

 

[G0AOZ]

Rick998, many thanks. It worked a treat, and didn't need TweakUI. Have a star!

Yes, UPS software and cable are both in place but I have issues with that in an appropriate thread!

It's an amazing piece of machinery to watch. The cows come and get milked as and when they feel like it! Such is the automation, they don't even have to press the START button to commence the milking process!

ROGER - G0AOZ.