Enabling Automated Screensaver Lock

G

Guest

I request help enabling automated screensaver lock settings (i.e., so that if
a user steps away from the computer, the computer will automatically go to a
lock status after a predefined period of time, and the user will have to
enter their log-on password to unlock the computer after they return). I
looked for the usual function enablement setting in the XP Pro Control Panel,
under Display and Screensaver settings. I see where I set the amount of time
before the screensaver gets turned on, but I don't see a selection for
enabling the automatic lock function. Also, when I enable control-alt-delete
functions, I am not afforded an options to lockmy computer--it just takes me
directly into Task Manager functions (and there's no lock functions under any
of the tabs or toolbar options).
 
D

Doug Knox MS-MVP

In order to lock the desktop automatically, when the screen saver kicks in, at least one user account on the computer must have a password. Additionally, you can manually lock the desktop by pressing the Windows key and L at the same time.
 
G

Guest

Actually, all four users who have profiles on this computer have passwords
set up for their log-ins; however, the automated screensaver lock option is
not available under any of their profiles. Thanks...
 
D

Doug Knox MS-MVP

When you go to Screen Saver properties, you don't see an option "On resume, password protect" or "On resume, show Welcome screen"?
 
G

Guest

I only see the second one ("On resume, show Welcome screen")--it has a check
in the block next to it.
 
D

Doug Knox MS-MVP

Then once the screen saver kicks in, when you move the mouse or press a key the Welcome screen should appear. If not, uncheck it, click Apply, then check it again and click Apply.
 
G

Guest

Awesome - really appreciate your help! The steps in your second sentence
corrected the problem--the automated screensaver lock is now working
correctly. One final question: If I want to manually lock the workstation
when I leave the desk, shouldn't I be able to invoke that through
Control-Alt-Delete? When execute this key combination on other notebooks in
my group, it brings up a box that has six buttons at the bottom--these
include a "Lock Computer" block. When I execute that same key combination on
this computer, it only brings up the "Windows Task Manager" functions.
 
C

Colin Nash [MVP]

dren77 said:
I request help enabling automated screensaver lock settings (i.e., so that
if
a user steps away from the computer, the computer will automatically go to
a
lock status after a predefined period of time, and the user will have to
enter their log-on password to unlock the computer after they return). I
looked for the usual function enablement setting in the XP Pro Control
Panel,
under Display and Screensaver settings. I see where I set the amount of
time
before the screensaver gets turned on, but I don't see a selection for
enabling the automatic lock function. Also, when I enable
control-alt-delete
functions, I am not afforded an options to lockmy computer--it just takes
me
directly into Task Manager functions (and there's no lock functions under
any
of the tabs or toolbar options).

If you have the Welcome Screen enabled, this is normal behaviour. "By
design."

See http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q281980/ for workarounds.
 
D

Doug Knox MS-MVP

This depends on your settings. By Default, CTRL-ALT-DEL brings up Task Manager in a non-domain environment. You can get around this in XP Pro by going to Start, Run and entering GPEDIT.MSC Go to: Computer Configuration, Windows Settings, Security Settings, Local Policies, Security Options. Locate the entry for Interactive Logon: Do not require CTRL-ALT-DEL. Double click this entry and set it Disabled. Enabled doesn't require CTRL-ALT-DEL, nor does Not Configured.
 
G

Guest

Thanks very much for your help Doug...

Doug Knox MS-MVP said:
This depends on your settings. By Default, CTRL-ALT-DEL brings up Task Manager in a non-domain environment. You can get around this in XP Pro by going to Start, Run and entering GPEDIT.MSC Go to: Computer Configuration, Windows Settings, Security Settings, Local Policies, Security Options. Locate the entry for Interactive Logon: Do not require CTRL-ALT-DEL. Double click this entry and set it Disabled. Enabled doesn't require CTRL-ALT-DEL, nor does Not Configured.
 

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