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5 Replies Last post: Dec 2, 2008 2:00 AM by Skatchek
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How do I interactively login to Windows?

Nov 6, 2007 9:10 AM

Click to view bgreenberg's profile Novice 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
Reply Re: How do I interactively login to Windows? Nov 6, 2007 3:38 PM
Click to view mattrich's profile Expert mattrich 499 posts since
Nov 29, 2006 VMware
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
Reply Re: How do I interactively login to Windows? Nov 7, 2007 8:01 AM
in response to: mattrich
Click to view bgreenberg's profile Novice 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
Reply Re: How do I interactively login to Windows? Nov 20, 2007 5:02 AM
in response to: bgreenberg
Click to view rinf's profile Novice rinf 7 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.
Reply Re: How do I interactively login to Windows? Nov 20, 2007 5:13 AM
in response to: bgreenberg
Click to view rinf's profile Novice rinf 7 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.
Reply Re: How do I interactively login to Windows? Dec 2, 2008 2:00 AM
in response to: rinf
Click to view Skatchek's profile Novice 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 http://communities.vmware.com/images/emoticons/angry.gif . 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?

Steps that i suppose:

1. Through vix api connect to host - imlemented.

2. Open vm - imlemented.

3. Start vm - imlemented.

4. Login through VIX API (doesn't actually login on UI) - imlemented.

5. Copy some files with automate windows login script and start them to login through UI - is it possible???

As i understood from last post i need just to copy gina.dll into my virtual machine but after checking url have no idea how to do it.

Can anyone help me with this issue?

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