Running a script prior to Windows user logon ?

[suroit]

This is what is happening: I am running a scheduled script every night at 2:00 am on Windows XP SP3, and it sometimes happens that my PC reboots, for example due to a short power shortage. It then sits with the logon screen that has the users icons, waiting for a user to logon.

I may be mistaken, but I was under the impression that this state was similar to the "locked workstation" state, and that it was possible to run a script without logging in. I haven't been able to do it.

I have followed the recommendation regarding running scripts on locked workstations (no Send() MouseClick() WinActivate() WinWaitActive() WinActive() etc)

Can anyone confirm whether it is possible or not to run scripts prior to logging in as a Windows user?

Thanks.

Edited August 17, 2010 by suroit

[water]

I think this thread ("Run script before windows logon") will help.

Edited August 17, 2010 by water

[suroit]

I think this thread ("Run script before windows logon") will help.

Thanks Water, I don't know how I missed that thread.

But I am worried about Fire's proposal in that thread, deemed "very dangerous" without me understanding what the danger really is.

[Tyranlol]

Thanks Water, I don't know how I missed that thread.

But I am worried about Fire's proposal in that thread, deemed "very dangerous" without me understanding what the danger really is.

The danger in this is that this method is typically used by keyloggers & other virusses to log your password and/or do other stuff, for example you could have a file to shutdown your computer even before you could logon and remove it.

Computers is only dangerous if you use it in a dangerous way.

Edited August 19, 2010 by Tyranlol