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Steps to Run the Batch Script in Kiosk Mode

1. Prepare the Batch Script

• Ensure your batch script (start_server.bat) is located in a secure and accessible location, such as C:\MayaWINX\.

• Test the script to confirm it runs correctly in the background without requiring user interaction.

2. Run the Script as a Scheduled Task

Since the kiosk mode restricts access to the startup folder for the kiosk user, you can use Task Scheduler to run the script at system startup.

Steps:

1. Open Task Scheduler (taskschd.msc).

2. Click Create Task in the right-hand pane.

3. In the General tab:

   • Name the task (e.g., StartServerScript).

   • Select Run whether user is logged on or not.

   • Check Do not store password (if applicable).

   • Check Run with highest privileges.

4. In the Triggers tab:

   • Click New.

   • Set the trigger to At startup.

5. In the Actions tab:

   • Click New.

   • Set Action to Start a program.

   • Browse to your batch script (C:\MayaWINX\start_server.bat).

6. In the Conditions tab:

   • Uncheck any conditions that might prevent the script from running (e.g., "Start the task only if the computer is on AC power").

7. In the Settings tab:

   • Ensure Allow task to be run on demand is checked.

   • Uncheck Stop the task if it runs longer than (unless you want to set a time limit).

8. Click OK to save the task.

3. Test the Setup

• Restart the computer to confirm the batch script runs automatically at startup.

• Verify that the kiosk app (browser) launches correctly and the script runs in the background.

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Step 1: Convert Batch File to Service Using sc Command

You can use the sc command to create a service that executes your batch script.

1. Create a Windows Service using sc: Open Command Prompt (as Administrator) and run the following:

   sc create MayaWINXService binPath= "C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe /c C:\MayaWINX\start_server.bat" start= auto

   Explanation:

   • MayaWINXService: The name of your service.
   • binPath: Command to run your batch script.
   • start= auto: Starts the service automatically at boot.

2. Start the Service:

   sc start MayaWINXService

3. Check Service Status:

   sc query MayaWINXService

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Step 2: Optional — Use nssm for Better Control

If the batch script needs to run continuously

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(e.g., a server process), use nssm (Non-Sucking Service Manager), which is more reliable than sc for running non-Windows executables.

Steps:

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1. Download nssm from https://nssm.cc/download.

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Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

1. Install your batch file as a service:

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1. nssm

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1. install

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1. MayaWINXService

2. In the

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1. GUI that appears:

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1. • Path: C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe
   • Startup Directory: C:\MayaWINX\
   • Arguments: /c start_server.bat

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Configure the Startup directory (if needed).

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Click Install service.

1. Start the service:

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net start StartServerService

Important Notes

• Permissions: Ensure the batch script and any files it accesses have the correct permissions to run under the system or kiosk account.

• Security: Kiosk mode is designed to restrict access, so ensure your script does not introduce vulnerabilities.

• Testing: Thoroughly test the setup to ensure the script runs as expected without interfering with the kiosk app.

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1. nssm start MayaWINXService

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Advantages of Running as a Service:

• Runs before login, even in Kiosk Mode.
• No UI pop-ups or user interaction required.
• Automatically restarts if it crashes (with nssm).
• Can be monitored and controlled using services.msc.