The first logon to a Windows XP-based computer through terminal services is not denied even though the user is not a member of the Remote Desktop Users group

Consider the following scenario:

• When you configure the local computer policy on a Windows XP-based computer, you remove all the users and the groups in the Allow log on through Terminal Services Properties dialog box.
• You add a user account in the Allow log on through Terminal Services Properties dialog box.
• The user is not a member of the Remote Desktop Users group.

In this scenario, when you use the user account to log on to the Windows XP-based computer through terminal services for the first time, you can successfully log on to the Windows XP-based computer. After you log off from the remote desktop connection and then log on to the computer through terminal services again, you cannot log on the computer.

However, you expect the user who can log on to the computer through terminal services to be a member of the Remote Desktop Users group. Therefore, the first logon should be denied.

A hotfix is available to resolve this problem. After you apply this hotfix, the user who is not a member of the Remote Desktop Users group cannot log on to the computer through terminal services. This behavior occurs even if you add the user to the Allow log on through Terminal Services Properties dialog box.

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix.

If the hotfix is available for download, there is a "Hotfix download available" section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.

Note If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site: Note The "Hotfix download available" form displays the languages for which the hotfix is available. If you do not see your language, it is because a hotfix is not available for that language.

Prerequisites

Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) must be installed before you apply this hotfix.

Restart requirement

You must restart the computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace a previously released hotfix.

Registry information

To use one of the hotfixes in this package, you do not have to make any changes to the registry.

File information

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.

Windows XP with SP2, x86-based versions

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

To add or remove users or groups in the Allow log on through Terminal Services Properties dialog box, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, click Run, type gpedit.msc in the Open box, and then click OK.
2. Expand Local Computer, expand Computer Configuration, expand Windows Settings, expand Security Settings, expand Local Policies, and then click User Rights Assignment.
3. In the details pane, double-click Allow log on through Terminal Services.
4. To add users or groups, click Add User or Group, type the name of the users or of the groups, and then click OK.
5. To remove users or groups, click to select the user or the group, and then click Remove.
6. Click OK.

For more information about software update terminology, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: