Cannot Automatically Launch Startup Apps from Guest Account on Login
Greetings, I work in a rather unique environment - I place laptop computers in the hands of K-12 children loaded with supplementary education software. We do not require our users to have in internet connection so there is no remote management of the systems whatsoever. My task is to make the Windows environment so "bullet proof" that it will either require the use of an offline file editor or a complete re-image to gain access to the system. We use Windows 7 Starter. Since SteadyState is not available for 7 and GPedit does not ship with Starter, I am using Global Policy settings as Registry Keys to micromanage what the users can/cannot do while logged in. When I started this project, I began experimenting with using the Guest Account as the primary account for all students using the system. I feel I *must* use the Guest Account because A) It prevents the user from logging into Safe Mode and B) it prevents users from providing credentials and initiating a system recovery installation [so wonderfully provided by Acer on each and every one of their laptops]. My problem is this - no matter if I place shortcuts in the startup menu, create entries in the HKCU Run Keys, or create "Start at Logon" tasks via the Task Scheduler, my Startup application [ Firefox.exe ] does not launch. Here is what I know so far: First, I *removed all of my global policy settings* - using Run Keys (under HKLM, HKU, .DEFAULT)..I see the wait circle briefly, and then nothing - using task Scheduler running as Admin, I recieve a EventID:101 error (essentaily stating I haven't the credentials) - Running the task as the SYSTEM account I recieve a 102 error- (it ran and then Windows shut it down) - Startup Menu shortcuts do nothing - Added an entry into Msconfig to launch Firefox.exe, no effect -Enabled "Run As Administrator" by right clicking on the application, no effect. Firefox is installed and functions normally when launched. It does not require elevation to do so. In fact, I find it hilarious that I can literally go to the Start Menu and double click the application and watch it load just fine. Why it refuses to launch on startup is beyond me. I understand this is a permissions issue most likely. Is there a way to address this? Have I overlooked something?
July 7th, 2010 12:43am

Ok - Unsolved..... While I was reapplying all my Gpedit settings, Windows asked if it could install some 34 security updates. I said "Sure! Why Not?". I finished up what I was doing and then shut it down for the patching. On Reboot, my administrator account launches Firefox just fine. My Guest account refuses to do so (just like before). So....which one of these 34 security updates should I be looking at? (I'll try to get a list of which ones were installed)
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
July 7th, 2010 11:43pm

Hi Ben, what's the result if you use Internet Explorer instead of firefox? What's the detail error in the event log while firefox failed to run under guest account? Please remember to click “Mark as Answer” on the post that helps you, and to click “Unmark as Answer” if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.
July 8th, 2010 1:03pm

This topic is archived. No further replies will be accepted.

Other recent topics Other recent topics