I am running windows 2003 server and connecting to it via remote
desktop connection.  What i want to do is use the same login session
whether I log in locally or through remote desktop connection.  For
example, if i boot win2k3, log in, and then log in via remote desktop
(with the same username), i want to take over the local session.  is
this possible?

Yes you can take over local session , only need to take mouse pointer
to top of the screen you will get the popup from where you can
minimize session , restore down or close down as well.

Dear russellz-ga,

if you are accessing locally , there is no point to connect using
Remote desktop . Do not hesitate if any question regarding Terminal
services .

Thanks

As i only have one monitor, I definitely need to use remote desktop to
log in.  My serer is set up to log in automatically on reboot, and
that's the session i want to take over.  Minimizing the remote desktop
only brings me to my local desktop (on my non-server computer).

When you get a new session and you want to reach the console, you
should try opening Terminal Session Manager (in your start menu >
programs > admin tools folder), click on your own server, and you
should see two users, one with the session title RDP-TCP#xx. and one
with console, right mouse click to take over the console session.

That's what i've been doing.  However, i want to avoid having two
login sessions.  The problem is, when i log in a bunch of apps startup
that can't have more than one instance running and i get a bunch of
errors.

With Windows 2003 Server, you can now remotely connect directly to the
server console with the "-console" command:

   To connect from the remote Windows Server 2003-based computer, open a
   command prompt, and then type the following command:

      mstsc -v:servername /F -console

   where mstsc is the Remote Desktop connection executable file, -v indicates
   a server to connect to, /F indicates full screen mode, and -console is the
   instruction to connect to the console session.

If you want to connect to an existing session on the console, you need
to login with the same login credentials as that session or that user
will be logged off to allow you connection.

Enjoy!

References:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;814590
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/278845/

Awesome, thanks.
Is there any way to save my user name a password with this (and create
a shortcut)?  Thanks again.

OMG, know one got it...

Start, Admin tools, Terminal services config

drill down to server settings
set Restrict each user to one session to yes,

GH

That still doesn't prevent me from logging in both remotely and locally.