batch file to shut off screensaver
tobias magerl
Ned Brickley wrote:
> We have a screensaver that runs
> after 15 minutes, and is also password protected. Now what I need is a
> way for a user, (In this case a senior VP) to be able to just run a
> batch file and shut off the screensaver and clear the password
> requirement for that session.
ummm.... so how would he run _any_ program/batch without entering the
password? ;P
Todd Vargo
"tobias magerl" <muab...@gmx.net> wrote in message
news:3fa2b...@news.arcor-ip.de...
Since what Ned wants to is disable the screensaver, leaving it login
protected only, he should just use control panel like everyone else. If it's
too much of a pain to type a password once every 15 minutes, just set the
screensaver timer higher.
--
Todd Vargo (body of message must contain my name to reply by email)
Mark V
> Good day, I need a batch file that will shut off the screensaver
> on a pc. (Windows 2000)
>
> The set up:
>
> The company I work for has a policy that requires this password
> protected screensaver for everyone. We have a screensaver that
> runs after 15 minutes, and is also password protected. Now what I
> need is a way for a user, (In this case a senior VP) to be able to
> just run a batch file and shut off the screensaver and clear the
> password requirement for that session.
>
> Since this is a VP we need to make this as idiot proof as
> possible.
>
> Once the user reboots, or logs back in, the screensaver should
> come back in.
>
> Any ideas on how I can do this, or if it is even possible?
I suggest a local user logoff script to merge the settings back into
HKCU on logoff (to re-instate the SS and PWD requirements). For
manually disabling I suggest that even a VP can use Desktop
Properties, Screensaver tab, ....
I have not attempted this and cannot confirm it will work. I also do
not have the registry changes handy but you can easily track them
with REGMON or other utility.
Al Dunbar
"Matthias Tacke" <Matt...@Tacke.de> wrote in message
news:bo0eqp$rde$07$1...@news.t-online.com...
> Ned Brickley wrote:
>
> >Good day, I need a batch file that will shut off the screensaver on a
> >pc. (Windows 2000)
> >
> >The set up:
> >
> >The company I work for has a policy that requires this password
> >protected screensaver for everyone. We have a screensaver that runs
> >after 15 minutes, and is also password protected. Now what I need is a
> >way for a user, (In this case a senior VP) to be able to just run a
> >batch file and shut off the screensaver and clear the password
> >requirement for that session.
> >
> >Since this is a VP we need to make this as idiot proof as possible.
> >
> >Once the user reboots, or logs back in, the screensaver should come
> >back in.
> >
> >Any ideas on how I can do this, or if it is even possible?
> >
> no technical advice, but ask him if he would temporarily disable the
> airbag in his car in fear of an inadvertently trigger. If you knew be-
> fore when its dangerous you would never need any security mechanisms.
> If he is a senior VP he is also responsible for the policies. No
> shining examples for the rest of the staff. But if he is that important,
> why don't you use another mechanism like a keycard, rf-idtags or finger-
> print sensor?
Matthias is bang-on correct. I would tell the VP that the level of access
accorded to his account is so important to the livelihood of the company
that defeating the security mechanism to make things more convenient for
him, the authorized user, will put the company at risk.
Some people think that security measures seem designed to make it harder for
the authorized users to get their work done. In fact, the opposite is true.
Just delete all passwords and change all security settings to full control
to all users. Sure, they get the quick logon, but just wait a couple of
weeks...
/Al
Todd Vargo
"Ned Brickley" <n...@angry.net> wrote in message
news:f72dccdb8c2cd8bb...@news.meganetnews.com...
> On Sat, 01 Nov 2003 17:52:40 GMT, "Al Dunbar"
> <Alan-no-...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> >Matthias is bang-on correct. I would tell the VP that the level of access
> >accorded to his account is so important to the livelihood of the company
> >that defeating the security mechanism to make things more convenient for
> >him, the authorized user, will put the company at risk.
>
>
> >Some people think that security measures seem designed to make it harder
for
> >the authorized users to get their work done. In fact, the opposite is
true.
> >Just delete all passwords and change all security settings to full
control
> >to all users. Sure, they get the quick logon, but just wait a couple of
> >weeks...
>
> one of the top 10 systems you did not want to lose since it was loaded
> with financial data. (Corporate auditor reporting directly to the
> board)
>
> This person has absolutely no complaints about securing the system and
> actually would have preferred more. More then likely this laptop was
> formatted down by someone, but it was not fun having to disable all
> the users accounts temporarily until the user could arrange to get all
> the passwords changed.
>
> I handed this off to my supervisor who handed it off to network
> security. I was still told to see what I can do.
Screensaver passwords are not theft secure. For laptop computers, a secure
system would be to set both BIOS and hard drive passwords to prevent all
access to the hard drive and loading the OS.
AFAIK, a stolen laptop hard drive is rendered useless if it has a HD
password set. The stolen laptop described should have had this maximum
security active.
As far as network security goes, a screensaver password has nothing to do
with logon access.
>
> Meanwhile I did find a freeware utility that may fit the bill. I need
> to test it and see how it works and contact the creator and see if we
> can use if for corporate use. (20 people max)
Where can I download this freeware to test it for myself?
Also, for only 20 machines, why can the screensaver password not just be
disabled manually for the lazy users that don't want it? ISTM, if disabling
the password is forbidden, then using any freeware to do it is equally
considered tampering with the system. IMO, this smells of some user trying
to disable his boss' password without the boss knowing. :-O
Matthias Tacke
>...
>Screensaver passwords are not theft secure. For laptop computers, a secure
>system would be to set both BIOS and hard drive passwords to prevent all
>access to the hard drive and loading the OS.
>As far as network security goes, a screensaver password has nothing to do
>with logon access.
>
it is the same ;-)
Have a group policy that forces this one and you will gain a bit more
securety. For notebooks the hd should be formatted with ntfs (all part.)
and encrypted. (And the keys stored at a save place)
--
Greetings
Matthias
Gary Smith
> A few weeks ago we had a laptop stolen from a users car. This was the
> one of the top 10 systems you did not want to lose since it was loaded
> with financial data. (Corporate auditor reporting directly to the
> board)
I trust the user got a good reaming out. There's no excuse for leaving a
laptop loaded with sensitive data unattended. Some organizations won't
allow sensitive data on laptops under any conditions. If you don't have
physical security, you don't have any security at all.
--
Gary L. Smith gls...@yahoo.com
Columbus, Ohio