How to keep network from locking out a desktop?

  • Thread starter Thread starter lannybudd
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lannybudd

I have a piece of equipment controlled from a networked PC (Windows XP
on a Microsoft network). The PC cannot be restarted without the
equipment losing communication with the PC. The logged in user cannot
be changed without the equipment losing communication. What happens now
is that when a user is done with the equipment and walks away, the
network waits for a period of inactivity (maybe a half hour or so) and
locks the desktop. The next user has to chase down the previous user
and have them log back in. God forbid they have left for the day.

IT will not create a group account for the PC. IT has forbidden sharing
passwords. The PC can't be disconnected from the network to stand
alone.

What I need is software that will mimic a mouse movement or a keystroke
every once in a while to convince the network that the PC is
continuously being used.

Any suggestions?
 
I have a piece of equipment controlled from a networked PC (Windows XP
on a Microsoft network). The PC cannot be restarted without the
equipment losing communication with the PC. The logged in user cannot
be changed without the equipment losing communication. What happens now
is that when a user is done with the equipment and walks away, the
network waits for a period of inactivity (maybe a half hour or so) and
locks the desktop. The next user has to chase down the previous user
and have them log back in. God forbid they have left for the day.

IT will not create a group account for the PC. IT has forbidden sharing
passwords. The PC can't be disconnected from the network to stand
alone.

What I need is software that will mimic a mouse movement or a keystroke
every once in a while to convince the network that the PC is
continuously being used.

Any suggestions?
Click to expand...

Check the power settings on the network card.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/does-your-computer-lose-network.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/does-your-computer-lose-network.html

Does your IT group require a locking screensaver? If so, won't they disapprove
of software that mimics computer use?

Shared computers are a problem. Desktops locking on disuse are a security
policy. Software that depends upon mimicking shared computers, as being in use,
is a security risk.
 
The best solution to this problem is one that you and your IT department
work out together. As it stands now it looks like you're trying to weasel
around your corporate rules and that could cost you your job or subject
yourself to disciplinary action. If this is a company computer, a company
process and a company project, then the solution needs to be a company
solution.

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Shell/User] (e-mail address removed)
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