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Server 2003 - Allows users to only restart programs

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  • Windows Server 2003
  • Business Computing
  • Servers
Last response: in Business Computing
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August 19, 2013 8:52:19 AM

Hi,

I am currently running servers using Windows 2003 R2.
I run custom made programs that control data input and output and sometimes these will have a glitch and lock up.
What I want to know is if there is a way to allow other users the ability to access the server to only restart these programs, nothing else. Is there a way to restrict a view to only see the desktop? (dumb question probably)
Is there maybe, an application (web based possibly?) that can monitor these programs, and allow users to restart the program through this application?
Any help would be great!

Thanks!

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August 19, 2013 9:01:57 AM

Write the program as a Windows Service. If it fails, it will be restarted automatically.
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August 19, 2013 9:15:44 AM

Pinhedd said:
Write the program as a Windows Service. If it fails, it will be restarted automatically.


I wish I could do that, the problem I have with the programs locking up is that the whole program does not lock up. The programs connect via TCP to industrial hardware and one of 15 connections will stop sending/recieving. This will in turn will lock up other programs while allowing the server program to continue running. I also have other programs that act differently that cannot be re coded as a service, wouldn't do them any good as they just start communicating erratically.
Problem I got is really strange, hence the reason I am trying to get a restricted view of the desktop so my assistants can access without killing the server. If any clarification is needed, I will do my best to answer the questions.
THanks again!

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August 23, 2013 7:41:10 AM

You can certainly lock down the environment for your remote users using Group Policy. If they are not already in an OU, I would separate the remote app users and apply a new Remote App group policy to them in which you have the desktop environment locked down. There is a guide on creating a locked down environment on Server 2003 available here. You can also use Software Restriction Policies to limit user access to the specific application(s) you intend for them to use.

Server 2008 R2 brought several enhancements which directly address your situation. For example AppLocker brings significant enhancements to environments with software restrictions. Perhaps even more directly applicable to your situation is RemoteApp, a Remote Desktop Services technology which allows you to create remote sessions which access only a specific application, rather than a whole desktop environment. You could use RemoteApp to publish only the apps you intend for your remote users to access.
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!