Silverlight tests not working unless RDP connection open

Question

I have a few Silverlight UI tests that I'm automating with White. These tests are subsequently run by a TFS build agent, which is running interactively so it can access the desktop.

The build passes if I have a Remote Desktop connection open to the build agent as the tests are run; I can see the mouse pointer moving around. When the test clicks on a HyperlinkButton navigation takes place, and is subsequently verified by assertions within the test.

The build fails if I do not have a Remote Desktop connection open to the build agent as the tests are run. The Internet Explorer window is created and the Silverlight app loads, but no clicks happen; the application remains on the initial page and test assertions subsequently fail.

Has anyone out there found a solution to this problem?

Answer 1

The answer is on this CodePlex thread. Basically there is no solution; White tests must be run by a logged-in user (either physically, or via VNC or RDP).

Answer 2

See http://stackoverflow.com/questions/897568/starting-a-windows-service-in-an-interactive-session

If you are setting up a windows service, that service can be set to run with an interactive desktop, though it will be running as a local machine user and not a domain user.

The other alternative is tweaking the registry to use the AutoAdminLogon feature. Use with caution!

HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon:

• DefaultUsername
• DefaultPassword
• DefaultDomain
• AutoAdminLogon = 1