Shadow

  • Article

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Shadow

Enables you to remotely control an active session of another user.

Syntax

shadow{SessionName | SessionID} [/server:ServerName] [/v]

Parameters
  • SessionName
    The name of the session you want to remotely control.
  • SessionID
    The ID of the session you want to remotely control. Use query user to display the list of sessions and their session IDs.
  • /server: ServerName
    Specifies the terminal server containing the session you want to remotely control. By default, the current terminal server is used.
  • /v
    Displays information about the actions being performed.
  • /?
    Displays help at the command prompt.
Remarks

  • You can either view or actively control the session. If you choose to actively control a user's session, you will be able to input keyboard and mouse actions to the session.

  • You can always remotely control your own sessions (except the current session), but you must have Full Control access permission to remotely control another session.

  • You can also initiate remote control using Terminal Services Manager. For more information, see Related Topics.

  • Before monitoring begins, the server warns the user that the session is about to be remotely controlled, unless this warning is disabled. Your session might appear to be frozen for a few seconds while it waits for a response from the user. To configure remote control for users and sessions, use Terminal Services Configuration or the Terminal Services extensions to Local Users and Groups and Active Directory for Users and Computers.

  • Your session must be capable of supporting the video resolution used at the session you are remotely controlling or the operation fails.

  • The console session can neither remotely control another session nor can it be remotely controlled by another session.

  • When you want to end remote control (shadowing), press CTRL+* (using * from the numeric keypad only), or whatever hot key you have defined. You define the hot key in Terminal Services Manager.

Examples

To shadow session 93, type:

shadow 93

To shadow the session ACCTG01, type:

shadow ACCTG01

Formatting legend

Format Meaning

Italic

Information that the user must supply

Bold

Elements that the user must type exactly as shown

Ellipsis (...)

Parameter that can be repeated several times in a command line

Between brackets ([])

Optional items

Between braces ({}); choices separated by pipe (|). Example: {even|odd}

Set of choices from which the user must choose only one

Courier font

Code or program output

See Also

Concepts

Command-line reference A-Z
Command shell overview
Terminal Services commands
Remotely control a session