How To Force a different Gina.dll to load before or after smegina

Article:TECH108236  |  Created: 2002-01-11  |  Updated: 2007-01-19  |  Article URL
Article Type
Technical Solution


This document describes how to control the load order of multiple gina DLL files.


Logon and logoff problems may occur with Wincontrol Smegina.dll and other Gina.dlls from desktop applications due to improper chaining of various Gina.dlls. These include antivirus and client security programs. Wcontrol by default writes the Smegina.dll key in the WinLogon registry when performing a logoff.

There are two ways to allow alternate Gina.dlls to load, either before or after loading the smegina. The preferred alternative is to load smegina first.

To Load a second Gina after smegina
To enable CCM to load a different Gina than MS: (Cytrix, PCAnywhere, MacAffee)
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\csd\control\2.0] GinaDll" SZ (String any valid path to alternate gina)

GinaDll, if set, will load this Gina instead the default Msgina.dll.

Note: The other gina loaded must correctly chain the MS gina to ensure proper logon functionality.

To Load a second Gina before smegina
Disable writing the Smegina.dll key in the WinLogon registry when performing a logoff.

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\csd\control\2.0] "AcceptOtherGina"

WinControl enters the Smegina.dll in the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\...\WinLogon key at every logoff. The Wincontrol desktop agent contains a switch to turn off this check. If the registry key "AcceptOtherGina" is set to "1" the existing Gina.dll (of the WinLogon-key) is not replaced by Smegina.dll.

Normally the desktop agent checks and "repairs" the "GinaDll" value in the "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\...\Winlogon" key at every logoff. This auto-repair function is disabled by setting "AcceptOtherGina" (DWORD) in "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\...\2.0" to 1.

Note: The other gina must chain the smegina, otherwise Administrative actions cannot be executed.

The administrator setting this switch is responsible for the correct behavior of any alternate Gina.dll.

Legacy ID


Article URL

Terms of use for this information are found in Legal Notices