Abstract: A method of form authentication enables a user to be automatically authenticated to a web application without being prompted for login credentials. Particularly, by use of “client-side” processing, the number and variety of web applications that can be successfully authenticated against may be increased. Client-side processing allows the login page scripting to execute prior to the form authentication process. The ability to execute client-side logic prior to authentication may significantly increase the number of web applications that can be successfully background authenticated against.