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Running Windows 7 "Headless"


John F
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We have a network which includes Windows, Macs and Macs that run Windows at work. We have two computers, a Mac Mini and a Dell Optiplex running Windows 7 that look after housekeeping matters (like fax serving) and run "headless" (no screen/keyboad/mouse).

Here's the problem. The Mac Mini can be run remotely including stopping and starting using either Mac screen sharing, Jolly's Fast VNC or (from remote locations) LogMeIn. The Dell is also set up with LogMeIn and from within the office is worked with Windows RDC. That is fine for day to day operation, but it cannot be re-started without a screen, keyboard and mouse connected so that the password can be entered. It is plugged into a UPS, but some upgrades require a re-start which is a pain.

Is there a way around this?

John F

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Hi JohnF, and,

:welcomewf:

Firstly let me say that I could see this problem of yours turning into a lengthy thread with a kind of, "Have you tried" ? - Followed by, - "Yes I've tried that, but", scenario.

I'll just throw in a few random thoughts and suggestions to whet your appetite, and then we'll sit back and see if that sparks off anyone else here on the forum to contribute.

So. - No questions on my part. - Just thoughts.

(1) - Whether a Paid up member or free user of "LogMeIn" They do have excellent support, and a community service.

** SUPPORT **

** COMMUNITY **

That should be one of the first ports of call. They deal with many similar requests on a daily basis.

(2) - Disable Windows 7 Update Automatic Restart as a spoiler for at least some restart problems on upgrades.

(3) - Make the Dell Autologon "i.e - no password", making it fully functional in a Wake On Lan situation.

(4) - Use Wake On Lan generated by the Mac-mini with a supplemental script containing the Dell Logon Password.

(Dont ask how. - Just do a Google search for it. ;) )

Any "Home Brew" network is going to have it's own idiosyncracies known only to the person/people who set it up. That makes diagnosis from a remote destination like a forum very difficult.

I say "Home Brew" not in a derogatory way, but purely by observation it would seem obvious that if a networking company had set this up you would not be contacting a forum.

There you have a few thoughts JohnF.

Wait around a while, and see if anyone else here on the forum thinks of something else.

Regards.

John. :flowers:

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Just bumping this one up to the top of the pile to see if there are any other ideas, -

-or if JohnF really is as far behind with networking skills as he is with answering his posts. :P

( I am of course blazingly fast. especially in the area of answering E mail. (AlanHo) :lol: )

Wazzup JohnF ? - Give us the whole beat on the scene dood. ;)

What's happenin' in the hood bro ?

John. :)

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Many thanks for your reply, with apologies for my slow response caused by fourteen hour days which allow little time for anything outside my main work.

Our network is not a homebrew, but we have added our own enhancements here and there. The stuff I use works wirelessly through an Airport Extreme. Plugged into the wired network we are separated into two sub-nets that are run through a VPN and remote router system that is beyond our control. Running RDP can be a slow business, but using the Airport as a router allows a much more local and direct connection.

I like the idea of calling LogMeIn support and will certainly do so when I get a chance.

I have to work at a different location tomorrow, then I have to work all weekend and there is my tax stuff to get together . . . . .

Thanks for your suggestions anyway, they give me something to work with.

John F

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Thanks for coming back JohnF. :flowers:

slow response caused by fourteen hour days

14 hour day ? - Ay! - When I were a lad, that were known as an half-a-day, - and we were Bluddy grateful for it.

6 of us used to live in a cardboard box in't backyard and.................. Bloody Pansy Potters these days, I tell ya. :lol: :lol:

Hope you enjoy the humour John.

Keep posting.

JohnD.

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