Running Tests on Locked Computers

Applies to TestComplete 15.47, last modified on January 20, 2023
Information in this topic applies to desktop and web applications.

During some time-consuming operations (like regression testing, for example), it may be preferred, for security purposes, to start the test run and lock the computer. Tests that do not interact with GUI can be run on locked computers. GUI tests or tests that simulate user actions cannot be run on locked computers, since when the computer is working in this mode, the user session is frozen (no windows can be shown) and the testing engine cannot simulate user actions.

To work around the problem with tests interacting with GUI, you can use a remote desktop connection, a virtual machine or a network suite.

Using the Remote Desktop Connections

The Remote Desktop Connection is a built-in feature of the operating system. In order to use it, the workstation, on which TestComplete will be running, must have special server-side software. This software may be included in the operating system, like it is included in Windows XP, or it can be a third-party software like VNC or DameWare.

  • Lock the workstation where TestComplete is installed.

  • Log onto the TestComplete workstation via the remote desktop connection from another computer.

  • Start running tests with TestComplete.

TestComplete will function in the remote connection session even if the TestComplete workstation is locked. For more information on using the Remote Desktop to run tests on remote computers, see Running Tests via Remote Desktop.

While running tests that interact with the GUI, do not minimize the Remote Desktop window. If you minimize it, the operating system switches the remote session to the GUI-less mode. In this case, TestComplete cannot interact with the GUI and the tests fail. For information on how to work around this problem and run GUI tests successfully while the Remote Desktop window is minimized, see Running Tests in Minimized Remote Desktop Windows.

Also do not disconnect from the Remote Desktop session. Otherwise, the GUI tests will fail.

Using the Virtual Machine Server Software

To workaround the problem with a locked computer, you can also use Virtual Machine software, VMware server, VMware ESX or Microsoft Virtual server 2005:

  • Install TestComplete and your application to a virtual machine. Also, copy all files that your application and TestComplete project may require for running and testing.

  • Lock the virtual machine’s host computer.

  • Log onto the virtual machine from any other computer.

  • Start running tests.

TestComplete will run tests on the virtual machine despite the host being locked.

Do not disconnect from the virtual machine while running GUI tests, otherwise the tests will fail.

See Also

Running Tests
Running Tests via Remote Desktop

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