You can use an automatic keystroke generator to do that.

Thanks, I was not familiar, but was thinking if it does what the name implies, I'm not sure that the random letters inserted in things I'm trying to type, maybe not less frustrating than the existing problem. But it did make me think, so I googled "automatic mouse movement generator" and found this, which looks like the ticket.

 

Thanks, I was not familiar, but was thinking if it does what the name implies, I'm not sure that the random letters inserted in things I'm trying to type, maybe not less frustrating than the existing problem. But it did make me think, so I googled "automatic mouse movement generator" and found this, which looks like the ticket.

Have you tried connecting the external monitor directly into the Laptop external monitor port?
In other words, don't plug the external monitor into the docking station video port. Instead, use the laptop's external monitor port.

 

You know that's not far off from something I've been considering. An arduino that emulates a mouse and makes a small movement every few minutes. The only reason I haven't is that I know there's a simpler way, that keeps happening accidentally, and if I could just figure it out...

If you can run macros, AutoIt can simulate a mouse click or keyboard stroke. It shouldn't get flagged as malware unless you try to access windows resources with it or try to send packets.

 

I'm not at the computer today so can't provide model #s

What is the model number of the three docking station(s)? All same?

First one was a Dell Docking station provided by my employer. That one would charge the laptop over USB-C but it died and I did not request another one because I thought it was the cause of the monitor on/off thing so I bought an IOGear docking station to replace it, which did the same monitor on/off thing but wouldn't charge the laptop plus it made a painfully audible screeching sound (internal DC/DC converter i suspect). Now I'm using a cheap China "MOKiN" brand from Amazon which won't charge the laptop either and still have the monitor on/off issue but no screeching.

What type of external monitor are you using? Make? Model Number?

2X Samsung 1920x1200 displayport monitors
1x Dell 1920x1080 HDMI monitors.

Did you obtain the monitor on yourself? Or did your I.T. dept? If I.T, then you have a legitimate complaint

My monitors, they provided the laptop and Dell Docking station

Same questions, as 1 thru 3 above, regarding the Mouse. Type? Interface? All three stations?

My mouse, Logitech Bluetooth with USB dongle. Plugged into laptop or docking station, makes no difference.

Have you tried connecting the external monitor directly into the Laptop external monitor port?
In other words, don't plug the external monitor into the docking station video port. Instead, use the laptop's external monitor port.

The laptop only has one external monitor port, HDMI. I use 3 monitors. I have not tried plugging the Dell monitor into the HDMI port of the laptop and the other two into a docking station.

 

The laptop only has one external monitor port, HDMI. I use 3 monitors. I have not tried plugging the Dell monitor into the HDMI port of the laptop and the other two into a docking station.

Ok....so....There is no shortage of complaints from users, who use Dell Laptops with Dell docking stations, that have the same issue you are experiencing. It sounds silly because you would think they should work together (rightfully so), but they don't.
A lot of items come into play, like firmware updates for various laptop internal hardware components. Many complaints have been resolved by simply not using the Docking station video port(s) and plugging the monitor directly into one of the Laptops' external monitor port.

 

Ok....so....There is no shortage of complaints from users, who use Dell Laptops with Dell docking stations, that have the same issue you are experiencing. It sounds silly because you would think they should work together (rightfully so), but they don't.
A lot of items come into play, like firmware updates for various laptop internal hardware components. Many complaints have been resolved by simply not using the Docking station video port(s) and plugging the monitor directly into one of the Laptops' external monitor port.

Yes I tried updating firmware of the Dell docking station, updating drivers for everything in the laptop including the monitors, installing every available update for windows, everything recommended in canned responses on Dell support fourm, nothing worked. If it were only one monitor I would just use the laptop's HDMI port but since it's 3, well, that's why I'm here asking silly questions and about to pull the trigger on a silly workaround.

 

If you can run macros, AutoIt can simulate a mouse click or keyboard stroke. It shouldn't get flagged as malware unless you try to access windows resources with it or try to send packets.

Thanks, never heard of it, just checked it out. I'm not sure if actions not originating from a physical input "count" towards the screen lock down timer but it seems worth a try before spending any more money on this issue.

 

Have you asked corporate IT about this issue? My observation is that it has nothing to do with hardware or firmware. But rather your company has a policy that monitors must turn off after 30 minutes of inactivity and IT has implemented a Windows security policy on the installed OS to enforce this rule and prevent a user from changing it.

 

Yes I tried updating firmware of the Dell docking station, updating drivers for everything in the laptop including the monitors, installing every available update for windows, everything recommended in canned responses on Dell support fourm, nothing worked. If it were only one monitor I would just use the laptop's HDMI port but since it's 3, well, that's why I'm here asking silly questions and about to pull the trigger on a silly workaround.

Does the internal graphics support three monitors?
How are you connecting 3 monitors to the docking station?

 

Does the internal graphics support three monitors?

Yes

How are you connecting 3 monitors to the docking station?

Via the Docking station's two displayports and single HDMI port.

 

Thanks, never heard of it, just checked it out. I'm not sure if actions not originating from a physical input "count" towards the screen lock down timer but it seems worth a try before spending any more money on this issue.

This AutoIt code prevents my Windows 10 machine from going to sleep. It gets the current mouse position them moves the mouse to that position. It doesn't click or send any data. This software is in the keylogger class so your admins might be wise to it.

Instead of emulating user input, another option is to send the user persistent notifications. A popup could work or you could tell the system that you are running something like a game. I tried some of these ideas in C++ and they work but my antivirus likes to scan the files (finding nothing wrong). For some reason, my antivirus leaves AutoIt alone. I think it is looking for specific things like if a program tries to open ports or some other malicious action.

#include <MsgBoxConstants.au3>
While 1 = 1
Local $aPos = MouseGetPos()
#MsgBox($MB_SYSTEMMODAL, "Mouse x, y:", $aPos[0] & ", " & $aPos[1])
MouseMove($aPos[0], $aPos[1])
Sleep(10000)
WEnd

Uncomment line 4 to see the position data

 

If you are desperate to solve this, and you don't mind any future recriminations from corporate, you can give yourself administrative privileges via the chntpw command available on various Linux live distributions.

Example:

https://ostechnix.com/reset-windows-password-with-linux-live-cd/

I've done this many times.

 

Yes


Via the Docking station's two displayports and single HDMI port.

if your monitors have sleep settings or screen saver settings,turn them off.

 

If you are desperate to solve this, and you don't mind any future recriminations from corporate, you can give yourself administrative privileges via the chntpw command available on various Linux live distribution

No….probably shouldn’t do that. That is grounds for termination in most companies

 

if your monitors have sleep settings or screen saver settings,turn them off.

None are set to turn off.

 

None are set to turn off.

I mean to disable the setting.

 

I mean to disable the setting.

I mean the setting is disabled.