Interactive logon: Message text for users attempting to log on

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Interactive logon: Message text for users attempting to log on

Description

This security setting specifies a text message that is displayed to users when they log on.

This text is often used for legal reasons, for example, to warn users about the ramifications of misusing company information or to warn them that their actions may be audited.

Default: No message.

Configuring this security setting

You can configure this security setting by opening the appropriate policy and expanding the console tree to: Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Local Policies\Security Options\.

For specific instructions about how to configure security policy settings, see Edit security settings on a Group Policy object.

Caution

  • Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 add support for configuring logon text that can exceed 512 characters in length and that can also contain carriage return/line feed (CR/LF) sequences. If you do not use CR/LF sequences in your logon text, the maximum number of characters that you can add is 512. If you use CR/LF sequences, you can use a maximum of four lines of 512 characters each for a total of 2,048 characters. However, Windows 2000–based client computers cannot interpret and display logon text that is created by computers running Windows XP or Windows Server 2003. You must use a Windows 2000–based computer to create a logon text policy that applies to Windows 2000–based computers. If you inadvertently create a logon text policy by using a computer running Windows XP Professional or Windows Server 2003, and you discover that it does not display properly on Windows 2000–based computers, do the following:

    • Undefine the setting.

    • Redefine the setting by using a Windows 2000–based computer.

      You cannot simply change a Windows XP Professional or a Windows Server 2003–defined logon message policy by using a Windows 2000–based computer. The setting must be undefined first.

For more information, see: