>I got an idea from another user months ago--I add a way to kick everyone out of an app in case I need to cleanup, pack, & rebuild something by adding a timer that checks for the existence of a "kick.out" file on the server that then enables another timer that kicks the users out after a nice message and a short, but polite delay.

I have such system implemented. The application has a timer (1 min interval) which checks for simultaneous existence of two text files applicationname.shutdown and applicationname.reason

First file is empty, second file contains a message text for the WAIT WINDOW TIMEOUT 10 (something like "October 22, 20001. 9:00 AM. The application is under the maintenance and will be shut down. Please log in after 10:00 AM").
So, in max 1 min 10 sec the users are out. While these text files stay in the application start directory users cannot login, receiving the same message.
Of course, there are some other features too.

Why 2 files? You know, like in the movies, where the captain and his first officer have to turn two launch keys simultaneously. :)