Kicking terminal server users (not literally)

A problem where a backup job was failing due to terminal services sessions have files open on a shared drive linked to another server led me to see if I could identify the culprits and ensure that they were logged off prior to the backup beginning.

On the terminal server itself – running Windows 2003 it was obvious from the terminal services session manager screen who the users were and that they had an application open that was linked to the locked files mentioned above.

However logging in every night was not an option so I wanted something that could be integrated
with Backup Exec to ensure the completion of the backup. So looking at the following command line tools – run from the server which is doing the backup against the terminal server (in this example called myserver2)

query session /server:myserver2

from a dos session on server1

gives a text list of all the sessions

SESSIONNAME USERNAME ID STATE TYPE DEVICE
console administrator 0 Active wdcon
rdp-tcp 65536 Listen rdpwd
rdp-tcp#96 graeme 2 Active rdpwd
rdp-tcp#153 graemeb 5 Active rdpwd

the column of significance here is ID and leaving the system ids 0 and 65536 aside
shows us two users of interest on IDs 2 and 5

So if you would like a command line to kill the processes

reset session 2 /server:myserver2

would disconnect session ID 2

or in our case a batch file containing

reset session 1 /server:myserver2
.
.
.
reset session 20 /server:myserver2

with a line for each of our potential 20 sessions could be used as a before job in backup exec to clear them before the backup runs.

PS.

The

query session /server:myserver2

command could be simply modifed to be

query session /server:myserver2 > c:\offenders.txt

to give you the evidence of who is leaving the sessions open. Add a command to the after job in backup exec to mail it to yourself and you have a record of the repeat offenders.

Not such a bumpy ride »« Mini Mini me

Mini Mini me

HP’s entry into the sub notebook / netbook arena finally tempted me into getting one of these units for use in the field for a project relating to data collection. I had looked at several of the other offerings but the main points for me were the metal casing on this unit and the 120GB drive. Obviously there are cheaper units but for the specific required and the task in mind – the others just didn’t match up.

The HP 2133 comes equipped with the tools to help you conduct business efficiently on the go with features such as high-resolution, 8.9-inch diagonal WXGA display; 92% full-size, user-friendly QWERTY keyboard; and touchpad. Weighing in at just 1.27 kg the HP 2133 Mini-Note PC features a durable design with a robust suite of wireless, multimedia and security capabilities.

I would have to say that its not the fastest unit I’ve used but it performs adequately running Vista – I suspect it would be quite responsive running XP (I’ve seen quite a bit of info about this) – the one thing I would say is that the initial Vista setup – and subsequent updates to get it bang up to date – really do take an age – time for two coffees nearly !!

More on this as its gets tested in the flesh.

Full Spec here

Product Description HP 2133 Mini Note Notebook PC
Processor 1 x VIA C7®-M ULV Processor Technology, 1.2 GHz, 128 KB L2 cache
Hard Drive 120 GB – Serial ATA-150 – 5400 rpm
Networking Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Bluetooth
RAM 1GB (installed) / 2GB (max) – DDR II SDRAM – 667 MHz
Graphics Controller VIA Chrome9
Built-in Devices Stereo speakers, Wireless LAN Aerial, Bluetooth Aerial, Webcam
Display 8.9″ WXGA TFT(1280 x 768)
Optical Storage None
OS Provided Genuine Windows Vista Business
Dimensions (WxDxH) 255 x 165 x 27 mm
Weight 1.2kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year

Kicking terminal server users (not literally) »« Iphone Update 2.2

Iphone Update 2.2

Apple released a hefty update for the iPhone on Thursday night.

Here are some of the highlights

“The 2.2 software update is available through iTunes, and it’s packed with lots of goodies. Apple released its last 2.1 software update in September.

Some of the highlights of the update center on GPS and Google Maps. For example, version 2.2 includes Google Street View in Google Maps, which allows users to see a 360-degree view of locations taken with cameras mounted on Google’s cars. It also added walking directions in Google maps with information on public transportation stops.

In addition, the iPhone can now download podcasts over the air using a Wi-Fi or 3G network. Previously, users had to download podcasts into iTunes on their computers and then sync their files. Now iPhone users can also turn off the auto-correction on the virtual keyboard, which I must say is a nice alternative to allowing the iPhone to guess what you’re trying to type.

Other improvements include a bug fix for scheduled e-mail fetching, improved stability and performance for the Safari Web browser, improved phone quality to reduce dropped calls (hooray!), and improved sound quality in visual voice mail messages.”

Mini Mini me »« Open Wide and Say "Megabytes" – upgrading your HP6715s memory