Best approach to a dialog at login

[txjump]

Hello,

I'm not a VBScripter so I'm asking for some input on how best to display a custom dialog at login.

We have a script that runs whenever you log onto a network machine. I need to display some text and ask for acceptance the first time someone logs in. From what I've read I need to create a COM object. Is this true? Or is there an option of creating an exe and running the exe if and only if this is the first login? If so, what do you consider the best approach?

Thanks in advance,
txjump

 

[markdmac]

Barny, to do what you are saying would require the user to be logged on already. The requirement is to deny logon if the user does not accept the terms of use.

I don't normally jump up on a soap box but think it is needed in this case.

[red]I think it is great that so many people are eager to assist with this. That is what makes this site so awesome. But everyone PLEASE get your facts straight so we don't confuse the requester.
[/red]

In order for a message to appear before login it has to be applied to the computer object. This could be applied via a local registry edit or a GPO. With respect to scripts only startup scripts could be used to set the key. Login scripts can not be used as they are processed AFTER the user login occurs.

In this scenario we need to prevent login unless the terms are accepted.

The request is to only display the notice once, however there is no way for the machine to know that the user has never logged in before since this is a machine policy.

It would be possible to wipe out this registry key after login if they can guarantee a 1:1 ratio of computers to users and so long as users are restricted to a single system and all new users machines are setup for them ahead of time. As we are dealing with legal issues, I do not think such a solution is wise, however I would be willing to provide guidence for such actions if that were requested provided it was understood that if the admin fails to prep the PC then the user would not get the notice the first time. This puts a lot of unnecessary responsibility on the Admin when it is really a matter of HR simply agreeing that the notice will appear at each login as it does for hundreds of thousands of enterprise companies worldwide today.


I hope you find this post helpful.

Regards,

Mark

 

[barny2006]

i was just asking a question, not suggesting they do it.

 

[markdmac]

Ok thanks Barny, my comment was not directed solely at you. If you read all of the psts above a lot of suggestions were made without considering the need as a whole.

I hope you find this post helpful.

Regards,

Mark

 

[PScottC]

The only way I can imagine doing this would be to have a program that is part of the GINA chain that could query an external database. I don't think this falls into the VBScript arena at all. If it executes after logon, then something can be done, but before logon would require compiled code.

Mark, I completely agree with your assertion regarding the administrative load for ensuring that freshly built PC's are delivered to every new user. Beyond that, there's no way to guarantee that the new user is the first to start up the workstation.

I believe that the requester's stated requirements are beyond the ability of VBScript alone.


PSC

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