Programs that Are Started by Logon Scripts May Be Left on the Winlogon Desktop (278910)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
This article was previously published under Q278910

SYMPTOMS

It is possible to run logon scripts synchronously. When your computer is configured to do so, you may not have access to your desktop until the logon script completes. Programs that are started by the logon script display their windows on the Winlogon desktop rather than the user's desktop. After the desktop switches to the user's desktop, the program window is no longer visible. Also, if a user presses CTRL+ALT+DELETE to lock their workstation, the desktop is switched to the Winlogon desktop, and the logon script program windows would be visible again.

CAUSE

This problem can occur because when logon scripts are run synchronously, the logon script is run with the Winlogon desktop as the active desktop. Do not start Logon scripts on the Winlogon desktop.

RESOLUTION

A supported fix is now available from Microsoft, but it is only intended to correct the problem that is described in this article. Apply it only to computers that are experiencing this specific problem. This fix may receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, Microsoft recommends that you wait for the next Windows 2000 service pack that contains this hotfix.

To resolve this problem immediately, contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain the fix. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services phone numbers and information about support costs, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;CNTACTMS

NOTE: In special cases, charges that are ordinarily incurred for support calls may be canceled if a Microsoft Support Professional determines that a specific update will resolve your problem. The typical support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for the specific update in question.

The English version of this fix should have the following file attributes or later:
   Date        Time    Version        Size     File name
   --------------------------------------------------------
   10/26/2000  03:07p  5.0.2195.2578  177,936  Winlogon.exe

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information about how to install Windows 2000 and Windows 2000 hotfixes at the same time, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

249149 Installing Microsoft Windows 2000 and Windows 2000 Hotfixes

The hotfix modifies the Winlogon.exe file to run all logon scripts on the user's desktop. If the computer is configured to run logon scripts synchronously, control of the desktop is not given to the user until after the logon script finishes.

Q275506 contains the fix for this issue. Click the article number below to obtain the hotfix from the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

275506 Access to the Desktop Is Granted Before Logon Scripts Complete

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:10/6/2005
Keywords:kbbug kbenv kbfix kbQFE kbui KB278910
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