Question

OS/2 - 4690 POS programming Ctrl-Alt-Del

Asked by: fraser125

I am posting here because I understand that 4690 OS is closely related to earlier command - line based versions of OS/2.  We have a problem with users using the Ctrl-Alt-Del key combination and accidentally rebooting our POS (Point of Sale) controllers.

We would like to use a "TSR" equivalent to disable this key combination. Ideally the user would be prompted for a username/password combination before continuing.

My questions:
Is this possible?
Would it have to be a driver so that it applies to all signed on users?
Does anybody have some example code? Any language.

FYI: DOS *.COM programs do not run. The controllers are x86 based. Assembly programs are possible but limited by security.
Thanks!

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Asked On
2003-08-27 at 10:52:21ID20721785
Tags

4690

,

alt

,

ctrl

,

del

Topic

Programming for OS / 2

Participating Experts
5
Points
205
Comments
15

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Answers

 

by: relfPosted on 2003-08-27 at 13:05:22ID: 9235380

There is a plenty of such tools including commercial like
CAD Commander http://www.pcs-soft.com/ProductsCC25.html
and free utilities like
http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/os2/util/system/cadof101.zip
or
http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/os2/util/system/nocad.zip

 

by: relfPosted on 2003-08-27 at 13:07:34ID: 9235396

BTW, those freeware utilities come with sources.

 

by: fraser125Posted on 2003-08-28 at 14:06:21ID: 9243805

Update:
I tested the Executables and they did not work as is 4690 OS executables all end with the extension *.286 and even renaming them did not work.

I will have to wait until next week to get together with the person with a C compiler to test the code itself.
Thanks again.

 

by: fraser125Posted on 2003-09-16 at 10:24:46ID: 9371892

Update: I work in a large company that has managed to turn compiling this source into a project which needs to be prioritized etc. I will get back to you about how it works out for me.
Thanks again relf.
fraser125

 

by: fraser125Posted on 2003-10-14 at 13:00:42ID: 9549810

My company is being very slow about this. You deserve the points just for your patience.

Thanks.

 

by: CoramPosted on 2003-11-25 at 22:27:51ID: 9822814

Please give me a brief description (requirement) and I will write one. It will need to be added to the background configuration on all store controllers.

 

by: fraser125Posted on 2003-11-25 at 23:00:29ID: 9822904

I really appreciate this offer!

Requirement
1. Compilable Source code with all neccessary files (Any Language).
2. Compiled Object in case we don't have the required compiler.

Specification
Disable the Keyboard Combination "Ctrl-Alt-Del" send the keystrokes to null, remove them from the keyboard buffer, ?Other?. Just make sure the controller does not reboot.

Optionally a "System Error type of Beep" every time the user presses "Ctrl-Alt-Del".

I would also appreciate any tips you have on how to Add it to the background configuration.

Thank you for any help on this!
fraser125

 

by: CoramPosted on 2003-11-27 at 21:48:00ID: 9835243

Your comment 'I would also appreciate any tips you have on how to Add it to the background configuration.' concerns me.

Could you please tell me what company you work for?

What is your position there?

What version of the 4690 OS are you running? This will ensure compatability.

 

by: fraser125Posted on 2003-11-27 at 23:12:03ID: 9835447

I work for a Fortune 100 company, I work in the IS department as a programmer on other systems but I do not work in the POS group itself. I know just some basics about the POS system. My friend who works on the helpdesk brought this challenge to me and after looking for a solution myself on the web I decided to post here.

I do not know if our POS group is familiar with "Background configuration" because when I talked to them they called it a TSR, but maybe that was just for me.

I can find out the exact OS version on Monday.

 

by: Radius-SolutionsPosted on 2003-12-06 at 15:14:57ID: 9889983

fraser125,

You 'could' disable this function via configuration within the IBM 4690 OS.  Drop me a note or call and we can talk about the detals needed for your installation.

Thanks!
Zane
<email address removed>

 

by: rjhilmesPosted on 2005-05-22 at 08:17:14ID: 14055355

I do not see where an answer was ever posted to this.  How do you 'control' a <ctrl><alt><del> in a 4690 system?

 

by: rjhilmesPosted on 2005-05-25 at 19:28:25ID: 14082794

fraser125, if you are still around, were you ever able to disable the CAD?

 

by: CoramPosted on 2005-05-28 at 10:05:07ID: 14101998

They never responded as to what version they were running.

 

by: rjhilmesPosted on 2005-05-29 at 11:21:59ID: 14105227

Since we are talking about 4690, not OS/2, I don't see where that makes alot of difference since 4690 hasn't changed significantly from 4680, or flexOS in how the OS actually operates and interfaces with hardware.

 

by: trex_techPosted on 2005-06-20 at 12:43:24ID: 14259954

The IBM Retails Store Solutions Support Knowledgebase for the 4690 POS Systems states the following:

      Problem: Is there any way to restrict the use of the Ctrl+Alt+Del key sequence to prevent operators from IPLing the controller?  
 
      Solution: No, there is no way to restrict the use of the Ctrl+Alt+Del key sequence for this purpose.  

In addition, the accepted answer above DOES NOT work in a 4690 environment.

However, at last there is a third party solution to this very problem. You can read more about the utility at http://www.4690works.com Email them at admin@4690.com for more product information or pricing.

Hope this helps!

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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