Quick Install Guide - Safe AutoLogon
For First-time Users - Installing and Running the Software
Published: February 2013
Software version: 5.0
Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 1
Safe AutoLogon solution ......................................................................................................................... 2
Installation and Configuration ................................................................................................................ 3
Advanced Configuration ......................................................................................................................... 5
Purchasing and Activating the Software ................................................................................................ 6
Licensing .................................................................................................................................................. 7
Hardware and Software Requirements.................................................................................................. 8
Introduction
Starting with Microsoft Windows NT, there has been a way of automating the logon process by storing the username, password, and domain name in the registry database. These can be set either
manually or through a utility such as TweakUI. This feature permits other users to start the computer
and to use the account in the registry database to automatically log on. The registry key
(HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon) that stores this information is
remotely readable by the Authenticated Users group.
However, using this feature can pose a serious security risk because the username, password, and
domain name are all stored in unencrypted clear text, making it relatively easy for anyone to see.
Another problem arises when a user wants to bypass the automatic logon. The user can bypass automatic logon by holding down the SHIFT key as Windows is starting. The problem of bypassing the
automatic logon feature is that the original DefaultUserName is no longer kept for subsequent logons, because the name of the last user to logon is retained in the Username box of the Welcome
dialog box and the Registry. To re-enable the automatic logon once again, the original username and
password must be entered again in the registry.
Other 3rd party software have attempted to automate the logon process using the built-in automatic
Windows logon process, but with new facilities that “hide” the logon credentials. These are easily
cracked and do not offer the security required for today’s enterprise customers.
Quick Install Guide - Safe AutoLogon
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Safe AutoLogon solution
To enable automatic logon, WM Software created Safe AutoLogon. This software product stores the
username, password, and domain using AES encryption using the maximum encryption the operating
system is capable of, typically 256-bit. This high-strength encryption keeps the logon information safe
from spy ware, viruses, mal ware, or malicious users that try and gain access to the logon information.
This software has many uses for companies that need to provide employees with access to certain
network resources and avoid help desk issues of forgotten usernames/passwords. With its companion products, passwords are centrally managed, synched with Active Directory, and, remotely managed.
Since this product bypasses the Ctrl-Alt-Del, or logon, prompt, it is obviously not recommended to
logon users that have access to confidential and/or private resources, or where there is a security
issue. Discretion used will be up to the network administrators and those in charge of their computers.
Quick Install Guide - Safe AutoLogon
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Installation and Configuration
Install and configure the software as follows::
1. Log in to your computer running Windows XP or higher, preferably as an administrator, although this is not necessary.
2. Run the installation program.
Click through the installation
wizard. See Fig 1.
3. After installation, select the
checkbox to launch the software. You will be presented
with a window to Continue to
run the software, Purchase the
software, or Register the software. The window will show
you how many days are left in
the evaluation, which you can
also check in the software
product's Help/About menu.
Click on the End User License
Agreement to view it, then
press Continue.
Fig 1. The main installation screen.
4. From here, you can begin
to setup the software. The
username and domain/computer-name
should automatically be
filled in with the current
username. Move the
mouse pointer over the
shield (encryption strength)
and password complexity
meter for an explanation.
See Fig 2.
Fig 2. The main software screen.
Quick Install Guide - Safe AutoLogon
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5. Now, reboot your computer and Safe AutoLogon will automatically logon!
6. For more choices in Safe AutoLogon, press the Options button. Settings allow you to keep the
user logged on, lock the desktop after a logon, delay the automatic logon, and specify servers
running Safe AutoLogon Password Server. See Fig 3.
Fig 3. Additional choices in Safe AutoLogon.
Quick Install Guide - Safe AutoLogon
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Advanced Configuration
Safe AutoLogon can get its password and be configured with the Safe AutoLogon Password Server (SALPS)
software. Safe AutoLogon can be configured remotely using the SALPS, but to configure SALPS servers from
within Safe AutoLogon:
1.
Run Safe AutoLogon and choose Options/Settings/Password Servers.
2.
Choose where the SALPS software
are located (on Domain Controllers
or other servers)
The names of the Domain Controllers can also
be in the list, but by selecting the option to use
Domain Controllers, the Safe AutoLogon client
will find them automatically.
3.
Enter the SALPS server names in the
list.
4.
Choose the action to take if Safe
AutoLogon is unable to connect tot
he SALPS servers. We recommend
"Do not logon". Otherwise, if too
many clients try to authorize in Active Directory with an invalid password, the same account may be
locked out.
Fig 4. In this configuration, the SALPS servers are listed with the option to use
them. Also, this client will use the information stored locally if no SALPS servers
are available. This is an administrative decision; the username could get locked
out of the domain if too many unsuccessful logon attempts are made.
To send the list of SALPS servers to a client, this can be done either through a registry file at logon or through
the WM Software Management Console software product.
Quick Install Guide - Safe AutoLogon
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Purchasing and Activating the Software
Each of WM Software's software products are fully functional and will run with an evaluation license for a 21day period. This allows you to test our software in your environment with no restrictions. To continue running
the software beyond the 30-day evaluation period, each software license needs registered. We have made this
process very quick and easy for the end user.
If you decide not to purchase the software, simply uninstall it from the Windows Control Panel applet. On Windows 2000, XP, and 2003, choose Add or Remove Programs; on Windows Vista or higher, choose Uninstall a
program (Programs and Features).
If you decide to purchase the software to run it beyond it's initial 30-day evaluation period:
1.
Purchase the software from our website or your reseller. For a list of WM Software authorized resellers, please contact our sales department.
2.
We will process your order and send you an id/password to register the software. The id will be your
customer number with WM Software.
3.
Run the software and choose Register from the Help menu. If it is not installed, install the software
again. If the software has expired, you can still install it to get to the Register option in the initial software window.
4.
Choose Automatic Registration, enter your id/password, and press Register. The software will contact
our registration database and automatically register the software.
5.
Your software is now registered!
Quick Install Guide - Safe AutoLogon
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Licensing
WM Software has two types of licensing for its customers. Term Licensing and Perpetual Licensing.
•
Term Licensing
a)
Our Term Licensing Program (TLP) license model reduces costs of our software (up to 66%)
through an annual use license instead of the typical perpetual license purchase.
This program allows companies to put the software licenses into their operational budget instead of their capital budget. This licensing is more cost effective than purchasing a software
license and then paying a yearly maintenance fee for updates and technical support.
Full maintenance, which includes free version updates and technical support, are included for
the length of the term.
The TLP licenses can be renewed.
•
Perpetual Licensing
a)
This license model is what you will receive if you do not purchase a TLP license. You can receive quantity discounts with this license - check with your sales person.
A yearly maintenance fee is available, which includes free version updates and technical support, and is renewable.
Please contact your sales person if you have questions about our licensing models.
Quick Install Guide - Safe AutoLogon
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Hardware and Software Requirements
The following hardware and software requirements are necessary to use this software:
Operating System.
Safe AutoLogon client: Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista with Service Pack 1 or later installed, or
Windows XP with Service Pack 3 or later installed. Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 2 or later installed, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2, or Windows Server 2012.
Hardware. A system with at least 1 GB of RAM and a dual-core CPU or better CPU is recommended. The
client consumes approximately 5B RAM and 10MB Hard Drive space.
The Safe AutoLogon software and the Safe AutoLogon Password Server software are patent-pending and developed exclusively by WM
Software.
The information contained in this document represents the current view of WM Software Corporation on the issues discussed as of the
date of publication. Because WM Software must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of WM Software, and WM Software cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information presented after the date of
publication.
This white paper is for informational purposes only. WM SOFTWARE MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IN THIS
DOCUMENT.
Complying with all applicable copyright laws is the responsibility of the user. Without limiting the rights under copyright, no part of this
document may be reproduced, stored in, or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), or for any purpose, without the express written permission of WM Software Corporation.
WM Software may have patents, patent applications, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property rights covering subject
matter in this document. Except as expressly provided in any written license agreement from WM Software, the furnishing of this
document does not give you any license to these patents, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property.
© WM Software Corporation. All rights reserved.
Microsoft, Windows, and the Windows logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United
States and/or other countries.
Quick Install Guide - Safe AutoLogon
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