Want PC to run only my application at start-up

[Stu]

Hi,

I have an developed an application running on a laptop with Windows XP Pro.
The application has been developed in .NET, written in C#. What I would like
to do is to start the application on 'start-up' and prevent the user from
switching between the application and other services on the PC (like desktop
and other apps). I know that I can add a shortcut to my application in the
start menu, but this displays the desktop for a period of time. I would
really like the user to have the feeling that the laptop is solely there for
using my app and nothing else.

Can anyone help me please.

Many thanks,

Stuart

 

[Guest]

I do not see that turning an XP laptop into a dedicated machine for a single
program, on a laptop at least, is a good idea. I can see this with a
dedicated build of Windows XP Embedded, but disabling all funcationality of a
laptop for your app is unwise, as it basically renders having an XP machine
useless.

If you want the app to open first, you can get it into the boot cycle. You
can also take over the Desktop, if you want to (many TSRs in the past, like
the bullet hole TSR, did this). You can render the desktop useless, for
awhile. NOTE that you have to be particularly insidious to completely make
this service not allow any other programs, as a user can still hit ctl + alt
+ delete and stop your service.

I would be very careful about this approach. If you are building a business
app for a business that requires this, I would consider XP Embedded, although
it could be a pricey option. You might save on hardware, however, as it can
run on a very limited set of hardware.

---

Gregory A. Beamer
MVP; MCP: +I, SE, SD, DBA

***************************
Think Outside the Box!
***************************