In a Windows domain environment with Server 2003 managing XP/Vista workstations, you can query logged-on users without third-party tools using these built-in methods:

The most direct approach is through Windows' native query user command. For remote workstations, combine it with qwinsta (Query Session) via command line:

qwinsta /server:WORKSTATION_NAME

Sample output for a workstation named "WS-124":

SESSIONNAME       USERNAME                 ID  STATE   TYPE        DEVICE
console           domain\jdoe              2  Active

Create a batch script to check multiple machines:

@echo off
for %%i in (WS-101 WS-102 WS-103) do (
    echo Checking %%i:
    qwinsta /server:%%i | find "Active"
    echo.
)
pause

For systems with WMIC enabled (XP Pro/Vista Business or higher):

wmic /node:WORKSTATION_NAME computersystem get username

For environments with PowerShell remoting configured:

Invoke-Command -ComputerName WS-124 -ScriptBlock {query user}

• Requires administrative privileges on target workstations
• Firewall must allow RPC (port 135) and DCOM (dynamic ports)
• For Server 2003 domains, ensure workstation are properly joined
• Results may show disconnected sessions - filter for "Active" state

If you receive "Access Denied" errors:

runas /user:DOMAIN\admin_user "qwinsta /server:WORKSTATION_NAME"

For firewall-related connectivity problems, temporarily test with:

telnet WORKSTATION_NAME 135

When managing Windows domains with legacy systems (Windows Server 2003 with XP/Vista workstations), you can use these built-in commands to check logged-in users:

query user /server:WORKSTATION_NAME

Example output:

 USERNAME              SESSIONNAME        ID  STATE   IDLE TIME  LOGON TIME
 domain\jdoe          console             1  Active        .     5/12/2023 8:23 AM

For more detailed information across multiple workstations:

for /f %i in (workstation_list.txt) do @echo %i & query user /server:%i 2>nul

To check logged-on users via WMI (works on XP/Vista):

wmic /node:WORKSTATION_NAME computersystem get username

Create a batch file to check all domain workstations:

@echo off
setlocal enabledelayedexpansion
for /f %%i in (workstation_list.txt) do (
    echo Checking %%i...
    query user /server:%%i 2>nul
    if errorlevel 1 echo No user logged on or workstation unavailable
)

Remember these commands require:

• Administrative privileges on target workstations
• Proper firewall settings to allow remote administration
• Network connectivity between the server and workstations

For session details including disconnected sessions:

qwinsta /server:WORKSTATION_NAME