Windows 2003 domain - automatically log out inactive users?

[Halfmad]

Anyone know how to do this? I've several staff who persist in leaving PCs logged in even over night and over holidays. I've warned them about the security implications of this but as always they think they're above the rules that apply to everyone else.

I know by default there's no way of forcing a log out after X number of minutes but what about 3rd party software?

ANY help is appreciated, I'm now at the stage where I don't care if staff lose work if they've been away from the PC for 30mins +

[Geoff]

Use the 'logoff' screensaver? It's in the resource kit.

[mrforgetful]

If you want to log them out every night you can set the Group Policy that logs them out when logon hours expire, and set their accounts so they arne't allowed to log in after say, 9pm or on a Sunday.

This will at least log them out every night and/or week.

[Halfmad]

Might have a look at the logoff screensaver and see how well it works!

[animalboy1968]

we had exactly the same problem and used windows 2003 gpedit to enforce screen locks. however, it caused such a fuss amongst the teachers who were "unable" to use CAD combo that we were forced to take it off. they didn't see the irony of all this info being made accessible to all who wanted it.

anyway, the setting is gpedit.msc > user config > admin templates > control panel > display (don't hit the + sign). the last four settings there will do everything you want

[bossman]

We have all our workstations shutdown at 7p.m nightly and even forces logged on users off ( it gives them enough time to save what they are doing though) and use WOL at 6.30 am, this is great as any updates or installs are sorted before the staff get in so they just have to login.

[andy]

...however, it caused such a fuss amongst the teachers who were "unable" to use CAD combo that we were forced to take it off. they didn't see the irony of all this info being made accessible to all who wanted it.

How do they log in??

Andy

[Halfmad]

We'd not be allowed to use WOL automatically, the council is trying to save electricity and is now asking us to implement power saving in the schools. Waking them up that early would cause mayhem with the council stomping it's feel and demanding it be changed.

[Geoff]

You realise it takes more power to turn them on in the morning than if they were left to go to sleep overnight...

[john]

I'm just working this out with Vista (another reason to go to Vista - easy built in GPO power management ) setting them to sleep at 10:30pm and wake up at 6am. Virus scan to start at 6:10am should finish by 6:30am, then Auto Updates at 6:30, they should then reboot and be ready to use by 8am. Hopefully that will work and keep people happy .

[Halfmad]

You realise it takes more power to turn them on in the morning than if they were left to go to sleep overnight...

Yeah I know, the councils "energy manager" (cant' believe they pay someone to do this) has stated that they must be turned off after the medias ramblings about the whole "standby button" issue.

My council is rather confused at times I fear.. why I'm looking to move.