[python-win32] Automating logon/logoff

[Larry Bates]

Matt Herbert (matherbe) wrote:
> Hello all,
> 
> I am stumped trying to figure out how I can automate the login/logoff
> procedure on Windows. Here is what I know so far. First, I can logoff
> the system pretty easily using win32api.ExitWindowsEx() function.
> Second, I can auto logon the system (after a reboot) using the special
> registry keys (DefaultUserName, DefaultPassword, DefaultDomain). Third,
> I will have to wrap everything up in a service, so I can be running at
> the desktop and the logon screen.
> 
> So the hard part that I can't figure out, is how do I programmatically
> initiate a logon, after a logoff? Here is the rough sequence of events I
> want to achieve:
> 
> 1 MyPyService is running (at desktop)
> 2 User requests an automated test
> 3 MyPyService starts the test
> 4 MyPyService logs the user off
> 5 MyPyService wait's for something to happen
> 6 MyPyService logs a user on
> 
> 
> Any hints or help on step 6 would be greatly appreciated
> 
> -Matt

Maybe a use case description would help us.  Why would you want a service to log 
users off and back on?  If you want to run a task as a user there is a RunAs 
capability.  Automating logon is probably seen as a security problem by M$.

-Larry