VNC authentication failed!

[Schor, Robert]

     I recently installed VNC for Windows/NT on my NT-Server (Service Pack
4) and Win98SE machines.  On the server, I installed it as per the
instructions, including the Registry settings and running it as a service.
When I reboot the server, VNC does seem to be running.  I have only the one
host (default 0), and at present am only trying to "get in" from a single
Win98 client.  I have assigned a password, "ABC", to the session (three
letters!).

     When I initially tested things, everything seemed to work properly.  I
was able to run VNCViewer (which, incidently, I left on the server itself,
to which my client Win98 machine is mapped), and could do whatever I tried
on the server.  I tried Full Screen mode, which is more convenient than
having to scroll around to see the top and bottom.  So far, so good.  In
particular, the first time I tried using the viewer, I had to learn how to
send Ctrl-Alt-Del to get the WinNT logon screen to appear.

     On the server, I use the "Logout" screen saver to log out from the
system after 15 minutes of idleness.  Once I'd connected from my "remote"
machine, I closed the viewer, and assumed that the logout screen saver would
(eventually) kick me off.  However, now I cannot get back in.  Every time I
try to reconnect with VNCViewer, I am prompted for my 3-letter password,
give it, then get the "VNC authentication failed!" message.

     Some further information.  If I go to the server and log in at its
console, then go back to my remote machine, VNC works again.  If I use a
different password-protected screensaver, instead of the "logoff"
screensaver, VNC works (when I get in, I see the "This machine is locked,
and can only be unlocked by Bob Schor or an administrator" message).

     I would like to have my cake and eat it too.  I like VNC, and the
ability to control the server (which generally does not get much console
traffic) from my desk.  However, I also like the behavior of the "logoff"
screen saver -- I use it because I sometimes forget to log off when I'm at
the console, and don't want to leave the system "wide open" (I typically
only log in as an administrator).  While one could argue that the other
screensavers, which do not automatically log you off, also effectively
"protect" the server (since one needs an administrator, or the user, to
"unlock" the console), I don't want to prevent other (legitimate,
non-administrator) users from using the console just because I couldn't be
found.  If I'm logged off, they only have to log themselves on.

     I have looked through the FAQ, and have skimmed the Archives, without
finding this addressed.  I have just joined the VNC list, so I apologize if
this is a well-covered and discussed topic -- just point me to the
appropriate information.

Bob Schor
bschor "at" pitt.edu

Robert H. Schor, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Otolaryngology
University of Pittsburgh
(412) 647-2116
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