"Lock Computer" hot key

[Vladimir Gurieff]

I have just upgraded to Windows XP from Win2K, mainly to be able to easily
share the machine with other members of the household without having to shut
down all my processes. Under Win2K I was in the habit of hitting
Alt+Ctrl+edel then Enter to lock the computer whenever I stepped away from
it. I want to be able to do something similar under XP to "lock" the
machine by going to the User selection menu.

I have found on the task manager menu that there is a hotkey of WinKey+L.
But, I do not have a Windows keyboard, nor do I have any desire to change to
one. Is there another option available? Can I program my own hotkey
sequence?

Thanks in advance,
Vlad.

 

[Crusty \(-: Old B@stard :-\)]

Log Off?

 

[Glen]

Task manager, click on Shut Down, click on Switch User. (same as Winkey + L)

 

[Vladimir Gurieff]

No, not "Log Off". That shuts down all my processes and would defeat the
purpose of having XP in the first place. The function is "Switch User".

 

[Vladimir Gurieff]

Yes, I know how to do it with a whole lot of mouse clicking, but I want
something quick and easy. A hotkey.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

There at least 4 ways to lock a WinXP workstation:

1) Use the Windows Key + L hotkey.

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

--
Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH

 

[anonymous]

http://pubs.logicalexpressions.com/Pub0009/LPMArticle.asp?
ID=70
Different Ways to Lock Windows XP (Home/Pro) by Vic Ferri

Create a Desktop Shortcut to
www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/tips/april/foumberg
1.asp
Marc Foumberg, Las Vegas, Nevada

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=294317
(How to Quickly Lock Your Computer and Use Other Windows
Logo Shortcut Keys)

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=229687
(Err Msg: 'Workstation Is Locked' with Invalid Screen
Saver)

 

[Vladimir Gurieff]

Thanks Bruce,

option 2 sounds great as that's what I'm used to doing under Win2K. Sorry
to seem totally useless but the reason I am asking the question in the first
place is because I can't get the Help and Support function to work and find
out for myself (see my other thread - "Help and Support not working"). So,
could you please advise how to turn off the Welcome Screen and Fast User
Swiching.

Regards,
Vlad.

 

[anonymous]

Repair Windows XP Help and Support
www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts_desc/fixwinxphelp.htm

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

Start > Control Panel > User Accounts > Change the way users log
on or off . Then, Start > Run > "control userpasswords2" > Check
"Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer."


Bruce Chambers

--
Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH

 

[Vladimir Gurieff]

Thanks Bruce. I managed to look up what I needed at work today where my
Help and Support is working. Turns out that option 2 was no good to me
after all since the Welcome Screen and FUS are the only reason I switched to
XP in the first place.

But your option 3 was EXACTLY what I've been asking for since the first
post. I have now set up the shortcut which I will NEVER use by double
clicking but I have it defined with a hot key of Ctrl+Alt+L. Works a treat.
I'm a very happy chappy

Thanks a lot,
Vlad.

 

[Ramesh [MVP]]

Lock XP with Fast User Switching Enabled
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/utils/LockXP.exe

NOTE: If you have Fast User Switching enabled, you cannot lock the computer. When you press Winkey+L [or rundll32 user32.dll, LockWorkStation method , it goes to Welcome Screen instead of Locking the Workstation. The above utility can Lock the Workstation even with Fast User Switching Enabled.

--
Ramesh - Microsoft MVP
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k

-------------------------------------------
Internet Explorer Newsgroup FAQs:
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/IEFAQ.htm

Computer viruses: description, prevention, and recovery:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=129972
-------------------------------------------

Thanks Bruce. I managed to look up what I needed at work today where my
Help and Support is working. Turns out that option 2 was no good to me
after all since the Welcome Screen and FUS are the only reason I switched to
XP in the first place.

But your option 3 was EXACTLY what I've been asking for since the first
post. I have now set up the shortcut which I will NEVER use by double
clicking but I have it defined with a hot key of Ctrl+Alt+L. Works a treat.
I'm a very happy chappy

Thanks a lot,
Vlad.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

You're welcome.

Bruce Chambers

--
Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH