Server 2003 logon after power failure

How can i get a windows 2003 server box to auto log back on after a reboot from a power outtage. It starts back up and displays a window asking why the server was turned off. I know hot to auto logon to a box using windows XP pro but will this work the same way even with the window asking for a reason why the box was turned off? I have an app. that will only run when windows is logged on.

Thanks.

 

Well servers shouldn't be able to autologon.

Can you make your app a service? You can set your service to restart on startup instead of logon.

Is this a DC?

 

Yes it is a DC. how can i get an app to run as a service. it does not have an option to run as a service.

 

The Windows NT/2000 Resource Kit provides two utilities that allow you to create a Windows user-defined service for Windows applications and some 16-bit applications (but not for batch files).

Whats needed for Windows NT/2000:
Instrsrv.exe installs and removes system services from Windows NT/2000
Srvany.exe allows any Windows application to run as a service.
You can download both files here srvany.zip

This zip includes three files. The two you need srvany.exe and instsrv.exe to install the services and also srvany.wri which documents everything you can do with the program.
Note: Make sure the Services Manager is closed while running the DOS commands.


You will need to put these files in a directory called reskit At a MS-DOS command prompt(Start | Run | "cmd.exe "), type the following command:
<path>\reskit\INSTSRV.EXE "Service Name" <path>\reskit\SRVANY.EXE
This creates the service in the Services manager and the registry keys to setup what program to run.




Next open regedit.exe Start | run | regedit.exe
WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.




Next navigate to this registry key.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\service name




From the Edit menu, click Add Key and name it Parameters
Next from the Edit menu, click Add Value and type this information.
Value Name: Application
Data Type : REG_SZ
String : <path>\<application.ext>




Now you can start your service from the Service Manager




With this same program you can remove the service also. Just run this command from command prompt.
<path>\reskit\INSTSRV.EXE "Service Name" REMOVE

 

eannatone,

It should also be noted, that this won't work for batch files. If this is a batch file, create a new scheduled task, set it to run at start up.

 

wouldn't it be easier just to have the server autologon. There is no mouse or keyboard hooked up to it anyway.

 

Okay if you want the autologon, which I don't recommend for security reasons, here you go.


Should be noted, that passwords are stored in clear text in the registry, so any domain admin or local admin (DC's don't have local accounts) can see the password / username by opening registry editor.

To configure auto logon through the Registry follow these steps:

1.Open Registry Editor.
2.In Registry Editor, navigate to the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
3.Create or modify the following value (REG_SZ):

DefaultUserName

and enter the exact username you'd like to use.

Then, create or modify the following value (REG_SZ):

DefaultPassword

and enter the exact password you'd like to use.

Note: The password is stored in clear text, allowing anyone with access to the registry (either locally or remotely) to see your password. Use with extreme caution!

Next, create or modify the following value (REG_SZ):

AutoAdminLogon

and enter a value of 1.

Finally, create or modify the following value (REG_SZ):

DefaultDomainName

and enter the domain name you wish to logon to.

Note: As always, before making changes to your registry you should always make sure you have a valid backup. In cases where you're supposed to delete or modify keys or values from the registry it is possible to first export that key or value(s) to a .REG file before performing the changes.

4.Close Registry Editor and reboot the computer.

Note: As far as I know, this trick will NOT work if the user does not have a password. It will only work once, but for subsequent logons it will stop working.

 

i know that trick, i just did not know whether the window asking what happend will stop the logon process from continuing.

 

eannatone,

Okay, I miss understood you. Let me think about that for a bit.

Be back to you by tomorrow.

 

1st, I highly don't suggest autologon of a server.

2nd, you need to do this if that is what you really want....

http://www.windowsnetworking.com/articles_tutorials/Disable-Shutdown-Event-Tracker-Windows-2003.html

 

Thanks

 

Local Domain Administrator fired for leaving server unsecured and allowing sensitive information to be stolen.
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