Using PCs as thin-clients - shutting down on log-off

[jtwigg]

I'm using some old PCs running Windows Fundamentals for Legacy Computers. I've got them configured to automatically login and connect to the VDM where the user then enters his or her credentials, and then gets logged into the VM. I'm using the VDM client as a shell. So far, so good. The problem that I am having is that when the user logs off of the VM, they are left with a plain blue screen. They have to do the <CTRL-ALT-DEL> to even get a shutdown button. Is there some way to make the PC(thin-client ) shutdown when the user logs off of the VM? I have some scripting abilities, but I am by no means a wizard.

Thanks,

John Twigg

[Rodos]

Can you use a batch file as the shell? Never looked at that. Then you could run the client followed by a command to shutdown. I am sure there will be windows scripting geeks along shortly to sort you out.

Considering awarding points if this is of use

[knudt]

I wrote a batch file that ran on startup to continually relaunch the VDI Client. The customer ended up compiling it and replacing the shell with this compiled script. Worked pretty well.

[snantel]

I used nLite to nail down the windows xp sp3 to (200Megs) by removing all the non-necessary services, tools, software...

Anstead of running the vdm client as shell. Run a batch file hidden that loop...

Also, make sure your old pc time are insync. Otherwise, it will take long time to get a connection from your https vdm broker.

I also use AutoHotKey to give me back access to the control panel in case I have to change the display settings or install a local printer to the ThinClient by pressing CTRL + ALT + SHIFT + HOME

Replace your shell by importing this regkey.

You can also lock down the logoff, change password etc on your old pc:

Run gpedit.msc and go to User Configuration | Administrative Templates | System | ctrl + alt + delete

Enable (Remove Task Manager | Remove Lock Computer | Remove Change Password | Remove Logoff )

Let me know if you find something else to add...

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

"Shell"="wscript.exe \"C:
invis.vbs\" \"c:
Start.bat\""

"DefaultUserName"="administrator"

"DefaultPassword"="YourPassword"

"AutoAdminLogon"="1"

"DefaultDomainName"="HBVDM"

http://invis.vbs

CreateObject("Wscript.Shell").Run """" & WScript.Arguments(0) & """", 0, False

http://start.bat

start "C:\Program Files\AutoHotkey\AutoHotkey.exe" "C:\AutoHotkey.ahk"

c:\windows\system32\wscript.exe "C:\invis.vbs" "c:\SetTime.bat"

:tourne

"C:\Program Files\VMware\VMware VDM\Client\bin\wswc.exe" -domainName DOMAIN -serverURL

goto tourne

C:\WINDOWS\system32\logoff.exe

http://SetTime.bat

c:\windows\system32\w32tm.exe /config /manualpeerlist:172.20.5.50x8 /syncfromflags:MANUAL

c:\windows\system32\w32tm.exe /resync

http://AutoHotKey.ahk

^!+Home::

Run Control

return