How to logout user remotely

Question

How to logout user remotely

Using Remote Desktop to control my XServe I changed the resolution of the servers screen - now all I get in remote desktop is a blue screen.

How do I fix this without rebooting the server?

Is there a command line to logout the user?

I've tried using Remote Desktop to "Logout Current User" but it doesn't happen.

???

Dual 2Ghz G5 2.5GB RAM, Mac OS X (10.3.x)

Posted on Mar 4, 2008 3:04 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Antonio Rocco

Level 6

12,278 points

Mar 4, 2008 5:47 AM in response to Phillip Briggs

Hi

Launch terminal and ssh into the server, something like this:

ssh admin@serverIP address

supply the password when prompted, you may also be asked to accept the RSA fingerprint if this is the first time you have ssh'ed into the server, key in 'yes'. Of course I am assuming you have left ssh access enabled. Once logged in issue this command:

sudo shutdown -h now

supply the password when prompted. Now go the XServe and attach a keyboard. Press the power on button and depress these 4 keys: command alt+PR, keep your fingers on these keys for at least a minute. You should briefly see the activity lights on the front of the XServe come off and then on again. There is no sound on the XServe so you won't get the start up chime.

Hopefully that should do it, Tony

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Answer 2

Mar 4, 2008 5:53 AM in response to Antonio Rocco

Thanks - but I was hoping not to reboot...

is it possible to just logout the current user?

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Answer 3

Mar 4, 2008 6:04 AM in response to Phillip Briggs

Hi

Apple Remote Dekstop > select the server > Manage Meny > Log out current user. I've assumed you've tried this already and that your issue was one of incorrect screen resolution. The only way I know of resetting the screen resolution is the method I've already outlined. Perhaps someone else knows different?

Tony

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Answer 4

Mar 4, 2008 6:30 AM in response to Antonio Rocco

In remote desktop, it says the current application is X11, but when I run top from terminal, I cannot see X11 running.

I wonder if a process is stuck and preventing me from logging out?

If I check the system info in X11 it show my resolution is 1024 x 768 which is correct, so I'm thinking this blue screen is just a glitch that a logout would fix...

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Answer 5

R.Cerny

Level 4

1,170 points

Mar 4, 2008 7:50 AM in response to Phillip Briggs

I'm sure you can kill loginwindow process to logout current user. He will however have no chance to save open documents.

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Answer 6

Mar 4, 2008 8:14 AM in response to R.Cerny

What might the process be called?

I have one called "login"

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Answer 7

R.Cerny

Level 4

1,170 points

Mar 4, 2008 8:20 AM in response to Phillip Briggs

ps auxwww|grep loginwindow

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Answer 8

Mar 4, 2008 8:35 AM in response to R.Cerny

sorry - I can't see how to kill it.

if I issue your command: ps auxwww|grep loginwindow

I get this:

root 7058 1.5 -0.3 109024 7224 ?? Ss 7Jan08 2:30.49 /System/Library/CoreServices/loginwindow.app/Contents/MacOS/loginwindow console
root 10192 0.0 -0.0 27368 448 p3 S 4:25PM 0:00.00 grep loginwindow
root 10347 0.0 -0.0 18060 340 p3 R+ 4:27PM 0:00.00 grep loginwindow

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Answer 9

R.Cerny

Level 4

1,170 points

Mar 4, 2008 8:38 AM in response to Phillip Briggs

The number 7058 is pid.

sudo kill 7058

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Answer 10

Mar 4, 2008 8:51 AM in response to R.Cerny

Cool!

That's done it - logged back in and all is well.

Thanks Guys!

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