T_Smith
July 30th, 2001, 07:51 PM
I am new to VB programming (actually all programming) and I have an application question.
This is the situation -
I am in charge of quite a few NT and W2K boxes that are used in remote locations for business report generation (spreadsheets) and other simple operations that need to be performed on a daily basis. They are on oil production platforms throughout the Gulf of Mexico and limited transportation makes it quite difficult to monitor and regulate the operators mischievous use.
While I would like to have them all setup as Restricted Users(not allowing them to install any program they please, i.e. games) I still need to give them Administrative privilages for some tasks, such as installing new printers, etc.
Here's my question -
Is it possible to write a VB program that will change the Admin Password when executed w/o letting the user know the new password? How about a program that, when executed performs a mathematical function on the previous numeric password to generate a new one. After the program is executed it displays a "key" that when it is given to me by them over the phone I could use it to retrieve the real password at my end.
Here is the sequence -
They call me on the phone needing the Admin Password to perform some necessary function.
I instruct them to double-click on the Password Icon on their desktop and a window opens displaying a 5-digit number, an 'execute' button and a 'cancel' button.
I ask them what the 5-digit number is and after calculating the real password on my end I give this to them in order for them to perform the needed Admin operation.
After the Admin operation is complete I have them click on the 'execute' button which changes the Admin password according to the mathimatical formula and then the displayed 5-digit number changes to a new key.
At this point the Admin password is changed, and the program forces a reboot so they have to log back in using their restriced account.
Next time they need Adminn privilages the above sequence is repeated.
Well, what do you think? Is this possible at all or are there any other suggestions or packaged programs that might accomplish the same thing? Presently I am using PCAnywhere to dial into their computer and manually change the Admin Password, but I was hoping another method would be less time consuming and more easily managed.
Thanks very much for your time and patience with my first and long post!
T_Smith
This is the situation -
I am in charge of quite a few NT and W2K boxes that are used in remote locations for business report generation (spreadsheets) and other simple operations that need to be performed on a daily basis. They are on oil production platforms throughout the Gulf of Mexico and limited transportation makes it quite difficult to monitor and regulate the operators mischievous use.
While I would like to have them all setup as Restricted Users(not allowing them to install any program they please, i.e. games) I still need to give them Administrative privilages for some tasks, such as installing new printers, etc.
Here's my question -
Is it possible to write a VB program that will change the Admin Password when executed w/o letting the user know the new password? How about a program that, when executed performs a mathematical function on the previous numeric password to generate a new one. After the program is executed it displays a "key" that when it is given to me by them over the phone I could use it to retrieve the real password at my end.
Here is the sequence -
They call me on the phone needing the Admin Password to perform some necessary function.
I instruct them to double-click on the Password Icon on their desktop and a window opens displaying a 5-digit number, an 'execute' button and a 'cancel' button.
I ask them what the 5-digit number is and after calculating the real password on my end I give this to them in order for them to perform the needed Admin operation.
After the Admin operation is complete I have them click on the 'execute' button which changes the Admin password according to the mathimatical formula and then the displayed 5-digit number changes to a new key.
At this point the Admin password is changed, and the program forces a reboot so they have to log back in using their restriced account.
Next time they need Adminn privilages the above sequence is repeated.
Well, what do you think? Is this possible at all or are there any other suggestions or packaged programs that might accomplish the same thing? Presently I am using PCAnywhere to dial into their computer and manually change the Admin Password, but I was hoping another method would be less time consuming and more easily managed.
Thanks very much for your time and patience with my first and long post!
T_Smith