Can I automatically Lock my computer

[Damien]

In stead of using me keyboard is there a way of making my XP Pro computer
automatically lock after x time?

 

[Guest]

Perhaps the screensaver set to the time you want ??

MD

 

[Andrew Murray]

Yes, when the screen saver is activated, choose the password option in the
Display Properties/Screensaver.

 

[LVTravel]

The only problem with this method of locking the computer is that a hard
boot will allow access again (at least up to your username password entry.)

Depending on your security needs, you may have your network administrator
set your system to require the logon password after a period of inactivity.

Still the easiest way to lock the computer is a CTRL, Alt, Del and then the
enter key (since lock the computer is normally the highlighted selection.)

 

[Bruce Chambers]

In stead of using me keyboard is there a way of making my XP Pro computer
automatically lock after x time?

There at least 4 ways to lock a WinXP (Home or Pro) workstation,
any of which can be used, regardless of domain membership. (In fact,
I'm not aware of any method of locking a computer that's dependent upon
the presence of a domain.):

1) Use the Windows Key + L hot key.

2) You can press CTRL+ALT+DEL and then <ENTER>, once you've turned
off the Welcome Screen and Fast User Switching. (This is the default
in a domain environment, as FUS is contrary to the domain security
paradigm.)

3) You can create a desktop shortcut with
"%windir%\System32\rundll32.exe user32.dll, LockWorkStation" in the
target field. (It is case-sensitive, BTW.) You can then assign a
keyboard shortcut.

4) Set a password protected screensaver, and wait the allotted time
without touching the mouse or keyboard.


--

Bruce Chambers

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They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. -Bertrand Russell

 

[Guest]

Now that I've read how to lock it up, do I need to have another password to
open it, when I want to use it. I want to know before I lock the computer
using the method provided. Thanks.

 

[Dave Bolt]

Umm,
Ctrl,Alt,Del brings up Task Manager on this machine (XP Pro SP2).
Depends how your computer has logon configured.
Regards
Dave

 

[Dave Bolt]

To be reasonably secure you need to make sure that all local accounts,
including Administrator, have a password requirement. Quite often at re-boot
a user can go into Safe Mode and log in as Administrator without a password.
If you set the password option on the screen saver, it just asks for the
same password you used to log onto the computer in the first place. You may
see a message (depending on how login is configured), saying that the
machine is locked by localmachinename\username and can only be unlocked by
localmachinename\username or an Administrator. This is just asking for your
normal login as if you were logging on in the first place.
Hope this helps.
Dave

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Now that I've read how to lock it up, do I need to have another password to
open it, when I want to use it. I want to know before I lock the computer
using the method provided. Thanks.

No, there's no additional password needed (or even possible, for that
matter); simply use the same password with which you log onto the OS
initially.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. -Bertrand Russell