Running UI automation tests on build server

Question

We use UI Automation and Nunit to create tests UI tests for WPF application. We've created tests that work fine when you run them from a local machine. Those tests never run successfully on our build server (using TeamCity). Build always hang after opening application window. But if I am logged in (remote desktop), on our build server all UI Automation tests also run successfully. So I am guessing that it probably has something to do with running active windows session. Any ideas how to convince our build server to create active windows session or any other solutions for making those tests run on build server?

Answer 1

You don't have many options. I will list the two I know, the most preferred option first:

• Set up a virtual machine on your build server. Your builds execute in the virtual machine. You can lock the host (aka your buildserver) keeping things secure.
• Keep someone logged on all the time. This offcourse creates a security problem. You can alleviate this problem a little by removing the mouse, keyboard and the screen and only access the buildserver through RDP or something similar.

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Edit

Take a look at this TestComplete FAQ item: Can TestComplete execute scripts when the computer is locked?

Answer 2

OK, I'm just guessing here.

Try and run the TeamCity service with a local build server user instead of the system account. Maybe you have to login with that account once, before starting a new build.