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5 Replies Last post: Dec 2, 2008 2:00 AM by Skatchek

How do I interactively login to Windows? posted: Nov 6, 2007 9:10 AM

bgreenberg

2 posts since
Nov 5, 2007

Hello,

I'm automating a Windows XP VM. I've had success so far doing what I need with LoginInGuest, but for some tasks I'd like to actually log in at the Windows login prompt so the UI comes up.

I realize that I can save a snapshot with the user already logged in, but I would prefer to have my snapshots with the VM powered off.

Is there a recommened technique for scripting a login at the Windows login prompt?

Thanks,
Ben

Tags: windows, login, windows_xp

Re: How do I interactively login to Windows?

1. Nov 6, 2007 3:38 PM

in response to: bgreenberg

mattrich

510 posts since
Nov 29, 2006

You can configure the virtual machine to automatically log a user in.

There is a Microsoft knowledge base article explaining the process for how to do this: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315231

Re: How do I interactively login to Windows?

2. Nov 7, 2007 8:01 AM

in response to: mattrich

bgreenberg

2 posts since
Nov 5, 2007

Mattrich,

Thanks for the link. That is very helpful.

Still, I am wondering if there is a way to script log-offs and log-ons. I have some scenarios I'd like to automate that would involve logging in as one user, logging out, then logging on as another.

Any ideas out there?

Thanks,
Ben

Re: How do I interactively login to Windows?

3. Nov 20, 2007 5:02 AM

in response to: bgreenberg

rinf

8 posts since
May 28, 2007

Automatic Graphical Logins can be scripted in Windows using what is known as GINA . You have to write a dll called gina.dll which will perform your customised graphical authentication and replace it with the one in windows. For logoff you have to write a batch script.

Re: How do I interactively login to Windows?

4. Nov 20, 2007 5:13 AM

in response to: bgreenberg

rinf

8 posts since
May 28, 2007

Check out http://www.pgina.org. GPL. They have plugins for authenticated, automated logins through ldap, pop3, myqsl database etc.

Re: How do I interactively login to Windows?

5. Dec 2, 2008 2:00 AM

in response to: rinf

Skatchek

8 posts since
Nov 27, 2008

Checked out this link and can't understand how it can solve my problem. Could you please help with it.

I have around 80 virtual machines with different configurations. I'm trying to write automated script with VIX API that will execute program on each VM and i need to capture several screenshots of program status during its execution. I already wrote this, but the problem is that until i logon manually into Windows i get screenshot of its login screen . Due to security i can't enable automatic windows logon on VMs. That is the reason that i need something that can do it with my VIX API, something that will bypass windows login screen only for my script, not for all other users that can use this VM. Is there anything that can help me?