remote desktop starts second session

[GeicoGekko]

Hi,

I am sure this is obvious to experts but I am new to Win2003 server and I have a small problem:

Goal: autologin when server starts and use remote desktop to manage server. Many apps need to be launched at startup and they are not services so a user must be logged in. We have no admin staff so this must be automated in case server reboots (such as when our hosting accidentally cut the power last month).

Problem: I have modified the registry to autologin User1, and Windows logs in as Console. But when I connect to it with remote desktop it creates a 2nd session for User1, therefore starting a duplicate copy of all apps (not good).

Can anyone tell me how to set Win2003 to avoid 2 sessions for the same user when autologin is used?

Thanks.

 

[LWComputingMVP]

Why not setup those processes as Scheduled tasks, set to start when the computer starts and to run as a given user? No need to have the user logon...

Another possible solution, start the apps using a batch script and have the batch script check the session type on logon. If it's not a console session, SKIP starting all the otherwise necessary apps.

Or, train yourself to you logon using the /console switch of MSTSC (or use Remote Desktops administration tool, which logs on to the console).

Or, create a DEDICATED user for the purpose of starting those apps - NEVER log on using that user - only the autologon should logon as that user.

 

[GeicoGekko]

Hi,

Thank you for your answer.

I did as you suggested and now use mstsc.exe <filepath+name> /console and it works great!