Auto Login

[time]

I have a situation where a workstation needs to be logged in automatically during working hours and logged out otherwise (for security reasons).

The workstation uses a barcode scanner for input. The complication is that this is connected via a keyboard wedge, so keyboard operation must be available.

I suppose an alternative approach would be to leave it logged in permanently, but somehow disable interactive operation between certain times.

Any suggestions?

 

[Fushigi]

Well, if it's XP, you could schedule SHUTDOWN -L at the end of the day to log the PC off automatically. I'm not sure about auto-logon in the morning, though.

 

[Will Rickards]

Get one of those timer based electrical outlet things you use for lamps and such. Plug the computer into it. Set timer.

 

[Mercutio]

I can't think of a good way to make auto-logon work without rebooting the PC.

 

[P5-133XL]

A Kludge, but maybe it will work for you

Use the terminal services client for access to the workstation. You can run that at scheduled times, give it a username/password for auto-logon, and even shut it down at scheduled times. If you need more security than simply starting and stopping the program, you can even give it access to the machine only during scheduled times.