This post originated from an RSS feed registered with .NET Buzz by Brad Wilson. Original Post: Windows Server 2003 Tip of the Day Feed Title: The .NET Guy Feed URL: /error.aspx?aspxerrorpath=/dotnetguy/Rss.aspx Feed Description: A personal blog about technology in general, .NET in specific, and when all else fails, the real world. Latest .NET Buzz Posts Latest .NET Buzz Posts by Brad Wilson Latest Posts From The .NET Guy

(Coalesced from here and here.)

Two of the most annoying things about being a developer using Windows 2003 in my mind are: (1) the shutdown dialog which forces you to fill out why you're shutting down, and (2) the lack of the shutdown button on the login dialog. Fortunately, remedying both is pretty simple.

1. Start / Run / gpedit.msc

2. Drill into Computer Configuration / Windows Settings / Security Settings / Local Policies / Security Options. Find the entry named "Shutdown: Allow system to be shut down without having to log on". Double click on it, change it to "Enabled".

3. Drill into Computer Configuration / Administrative Templates / System. Find the entry named "Display Shutdown Event Tracker". Double click on it, change it to "Disabled".

That's it. A quick log-off and log-on and you'll be able to check that everything stuck. Still looking for a way to restore XP's click-to-login screen when the machine is not a domain controller... :)