't IsGoud

Windows 2003 comes with a really secure but also really annoying feature called Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration. If you run it just as a server and don't plan to develop or do other workstation kind-a-stuff on the machine then this article is not for you.

Registering the Acctinfo.dll from the Windows 2003 Resource Kit will allow you to view additional account information in the "Active Directory Users and Computers" snap-in.

The additional information includes password expiry date, the date and time when a user last logged on / off and more.

If you have the Windows 2003 Resource Kit installed, you will still need to register the dll before you can view the new property tab.

To register Acctinfo.dll run
regsvr32 %systemroot%\system32\acctinfo.dll on the computer you access "Active Directory Users and Computers" (doesn't have to be your DC)

Another improvement in W2K3 terminal services is a technology taken from WinXP that allows you to take over a remote session (PcAnywhere like).
This also solves the annoying
"Terminal server exceeded the maximum numbers of allowed connections"
issue we all know too well.

To "take over" a remote session, type the following at the command prompt:
mstsc /console (or modify your RDC shortcut with /console)

The RDC graphical interface will start as usual, but the connection to the W2K3 server will not create a new RDP session.

Note:
It is not possible to "remote control" the active console session without throwing the current user out.
You can not have 2 simultaneous connections to session 0.

Update: Options have changed under Windows 7 and Windows 2008 R2. The console option is replaced by the /admin option.

Shutting down without logging in. Very handy for these (Virtual) Windows 2003 back-end servers.

Shut down your (Virtual) Windows 2003 system and there is that nagscreen again ..