Switch user and locked screens

siegrisj · 20 Jun 2011

I seem to be in a catch 22 here, does anyone have any ideas?

Our .org needs to have switch user disabled because of some of the applications we are running. If two users are logged in and trying to use the same application it is a problem. So enabling the ability to switch user isn't really an option.

However, we really need the ability to log off a user when someone locks the screen and walks away. This can be a remote solution, but so far I'm not having any luck with the shutdown or psshutdown commands.

What are my options here?

Thanks

Maguscreed · 20 Jun 2011

I would use the task manager and just have it trigger log off when the event occurs.
You need the eventid that is triggering the screen lock though. If it's a screensaver or something you can just use the screensaver as the trigger.

siegrisj · 20 Jun 2011

So if I am understanding you correctly, have the computer completely log off instead of locking or going to screen saver? I didn't know you could do that.

It is an option but I have a suspicion it won't be a popular one. Our users sometimes need to walk away from their computers for a few minutes and then come back. We need them to lock the screens for security reasons (we are a financial institution) and having them completely log off will inconvenience them and our customers. If they are forced to log off completely or just leave their screen unlocked, I guarantee they will take the path of lease resistance.

logicearth · 20 Jun 2011

Just turn on Fast User Switching....I seriously doubt you will have that big of an issue concerning the application. If all you use the Fast Switching is to force the other use to log off then go about your business. Sadly you are making this a bigger issue then it needs to be. Just turn on Fast User Switching.

I personally would dump all the broken ass application(s) that cannot handle being used in a multi-user environment. It JUST STUPID. No doubt your are paying a lot of money for that crappy application(s). Its sickens me why people put up with it.

siegrisj · 20 Jun 2011

Sorry but it's not an option, we've already established the application does not work correctly if two users are signed in at the same time.

logicearth · 20 Jun 2011

And how many people do you have using the computer at the same exact time?
Like I said, have it there so you can login then force the other use out then go about your business.

Or you are better off training your employees not to lock their machines. But if you want to be lend around on a leash from that stupid application, well I guess that is your choice.

siegrisj · 20 Jun 2011

Ideally there will be only one. If it could be set up so only admins could do a switch user to kick someone off then that would be fine. But what will happen is if users have the ability to use the switch user option and log in when someone else already has the screen locked, they will.

Maguscreed · 20 Jun 2011

teach them all win+r instead of locking
It will instantly go to log in screen first time they'll need name and pass if they are logging back in after logging out it's just password and enter, and it will reload the last used account pretty much instantly.
It will only be slow loading when switching accounts, otherwise it's pretty much instant.
At least on windows 7 computers.

Maguscreed · 20 Jun 2011

It just seems to me the whole screen locking thing is not even needed.
Just use the log in screen.

Windows 7 handles it much better than previous.

If you want full remote control of all log-ins/outs.
Sounds like you want to set up a slave system, I haven't used something like that since DOS was the norm though someone else will have to get in on that.