RESOLVED - who is using the pc

[samsyl]

i want to show who is using the pc now. just show the username of pc to a text box.

thanks

[ganeshmoorthy]

Use GetUserName api from AdvAPI32.dll

Private Declare Function GetUserName Lib "advapi32.dll" Alias "GetUserNameA" (ByVal lpBuffer As String, nSize As Long) As Long

[Hack]

Private Declare Function GetUserName Lib "advapi32.dll" Alias "GetUserNameA" (ByVal lpBuffer As _
String, nSize As Long) As Long
 
Private UserAccount As String
 
Private Sub GetUserAccount()
 
    Dim sBuffer As String
    Dim lSize As Long
    
    sBuffer = Space$(255)
    lSize = Len(sBuffer)
    Call GetUserName(sBuffer, lSize)
    If lSize > 0 Then
        UserAccount = Left$(sBuffer, lSize - 1)
    Else
        UserAccount = vbNullString
    End If
    
End Sub

[cssriraman]

Check out the robdog's post:

How Do I Get The Current Windows Username?

[Shuja Ali]

An easier way would be

Environ("UserName")

[cssriraman]

There are few drawbacks if you use environ variables check out the link i posted in my previous post.

[samsyl]

DONE

Thanks Everyone

[Shuja Ali]

There are few drawbacks if you use environ variables check out the link i posted in my previous post.

I don't see any drawbacks.

[cssriraman]

Using the environment variables are easy to use but unreliable for these reasons -

1. The user can edit the value to anything they want by going to the System Properties and changing the values.
2. The user can delete the environment variables too.
3. To get the user name is that this variable is not set by default on Win9x/Me.

So, The GetUserName API is probably the most reliable and secure way to retrieve the username. It cannot be changed by the user as long as Windows permissions dissallow it.

[Shuja Ali]

1. The user can edit the value to anything they want by going to the System Properties and changing the values.
2. The user can delete the environment variables too.

How can a user change the UserName in the System Properties or Delete it? Can you give me the steps that will delete this particular Environment Variable or change it.

3. To get the user name is that this variable is not set by default on Win9x/Me.

Never tested it on Win9x/ME.

[RobDog888]

I believe its when used under Windows 95/98 that you can mess with the username environment variable. You can create a duplicate Environmental variable but depends on the method used to read it (API vs Environ(UserName)).

[eimroda]

An easier way would be

Environ("UserName")

what are the other arguments (aside from Username) for Environ()? (my first time to hear that)

[RobDog888]

You can view, add, edit, and delete the variables from -

Control Panel > System Properties > Advanced tab > Environment Variables button.

[ganeshmoorthy]

what are the other arguments (aside from Username) for Environ()? (my first time to hear that)

to get the variables execute this code

Dim lEnv As Long
Do While True
   If Environ(lEnv) = "" Then
     Exit Do
   End If
   Debug.Print Environ(lEnv)
   lEnv = lEnv + 1
Loop

but before using the environ variables consider Post #9 by cssriraman

[Shuja Ali]

I believe its when used under Windows 95/98 that you can mess with the username environment variable. You can create a duplicate Environmental variable but depends on the method used to read it (API vs Environ(UserName)).

In Win2K & XP, the Environmental Variables like UserName, etc are not shown to the user in the System Properties. Even If the user tries to change it using Set Command the System will still show the correct USERNAME. So I guess using Environ in Win 2K/XP is safe. What say?

[RobDog888]

Yes, but if your app is multi-platform then you cant take the chance. Easier to just use the more stable and secure way and not have to worry about it.

You know you can create a UserName variable in 2000/XP but when reading it it will give the system value.

[Shuja Ali]

Yes, but if your app is multi-platform then you cant take the chance. Easier to just use the more stable and secure way and not have to worry about it.

I strongly beleive that people who are still using Win98/ME do not have any right to get my applications.

I especially hate people who are using Win ME. Win ME comes up with all kind of weird problems.

You know you can create a UserName variable in 2000/XP but when reading it it will give the system value.

Thats what I said in my previous post. And using Environ in that case is Safe.

[RobDog888]

Well I just believe you dont assume anything in programming and using the Environ function is partly an assumption of what OS your app may be running on and other issues already posted. I dont like problems in my apps so I dont use it.

[Shuja Ali]

True. I also beleive in making software that doesn't give unusual results..

But the place where I work, they don't use any other OS apart from XP. So I guess my Apps are safe.