Quick way to "lock" computer?

MrBen_4

In Windows 2000 I used to ctr-alt-del then select "lock computer" everytime I left my desk. Windows Xp doesn't seem to have this option, or am I missing something? It seems a bit silly to wait 15 minutes for the password protected screen saver to activate and reducing the screen saver to 1 minute activation just means it comes on all the time when you don't want it to. I understand there is the "log off" or "sleep" option, but that just disconnects you from everything (msn, file transfer utilities, games, etc..) I just want to lock the screen so passer-bys can't intrude.

Realist

Different Ways to Lock Windows XP

These methods apply to both Windows XP Home and Windows XP Pro.

There are several ways to lock your Windows XP computer, but all of them use the same command line. The method you choose is a matter of personal preference.

via the keyboard
The easiest way to lock Windows XP is by simply pressing the Windows logo key and the letter L (for Lock) on a Microsoft Natural Keyboard or any other compatible keyboard that includes the Window key. Doing so will pop up the Unlock Computer Password box.


via a Shortcut.
If you don't have a keyboard with a Window key or simply don't like the keyboard method, then here's how you can make a desktop shortcut to lock your computer.

Right click an empty area of your desktop, choose New/Shortcut and enter this line as the command line:

rundll32.exe user32.dll, LockWorkStation

Click Next. Name the shortcut whatever you prefer and click Finish. That's it.

If you'd like to change the icon, just right click the shortcut and go to Properties/Shortcut/Change Icon.


via the command line
The above command line can also be used at a DOS prompt to lock your computer. One simple way you can do it would be by clicking Start/Run, typing CMD and then entering the command and pressing Enter.


via a bat file
This is similar to a Windows shortcut method. But it's a DOS version. If you've never created a bat (batch) file, but would like to try this method, simply open a new text file (such as with Notepad) and type the following commands:

@echo off
rundll32.exe user32.dll, LockWorkStation
cls

Save the file with a .bat extension, such as Lock.bat, and you're done. Double click to make the file run.
Those are the basic methods to lock XP, but there are some other relating factors of which you should be aware.

Password
It should go without saying that if you don't use a password to log on to your computer, then anyone can access your computer and unlock it. If you want to use the lock feature, then set a password by going to User Accounts in the Control Panel and then click Create Password.

Fast User Switching
Fast User Switching allows multiple login sessions at the same time. Whether you have this feature enabled or disabled will make a big difference in how your locked computer can be accessed and on the behavior of your shortcuts when executed.

If enabled, executing any of the above locking methods will bring up the Welcome screen and other users will be able to log on to the computer, as is the norm for Fast User Switching. So, you really don't get much security at all this way, if your intention is to lock your machine. With Fast User Switching, only your profile is locked, not the ability for other users to log into your system. Any other user can just log on to your computer and use it.

If Fast User Switching is disabled, you will have to enter a password to unlock the computer. Double clicking your shortcut will bring up the Unlock Computer password dialog box. This is the same lock method that Windows NT and 2000 uses.

If you're not sure whether or not you have Fast User Switching enabled or disabled, go to User Accounts in the Control Panel and click the Change the way users log on or off tab. There you will see your status for Fast User Switching.

Welcome Screen
Whether the Welcome screen is enabled or disabled also has an effect on the way your computer can be locked.

If the Welcome screen is enabled, you can also lock your computer in Task Manager (Ctrl+Alt+Delete) by clicking the Lock Computer option in the Shutdown menu list. This option will only appear if the Welcome screen is enabled—without Fast User Switching being enabled.

Note! In order to use Fast User Switching, the Welcome screen must be enabled. You cannot select Fast User Switching if the Welcome screen option is unchecked.

If the Welcome screen is disabled, you can lock the computer by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete and then clicking the Lock Computer tab in the Windows Security dialog box that comes up.

Lock Windows XP workstation with Welcome Screen and FUS enabled

When you press Winkey+L key combination, you will see the Welcome Screen [if you have Welcome Screen enabled in Control Panel, User Accounts]. When Welcome Screen is disabled, Windows XP automatically locks the workstation [like in Windows 2000] and you see the Unlock Workstation dialog.

Some people prefer Locking the Workstation temporarily to avoid anyone logging in to the system in another user account [in the mean-while when you go out for a smoke or for a coffee]. If you wish to lock the workstation temporarily, with Welcome Screen and Fast User Switching enabled, you may use the LockXP utility.

Download LockXP from here and run it. As soon as you double-click the file, it locks (Classic Lock as seen in Windows 2000) the workstation irrespective of Welcome Screen/Fast User Switching status. This is very handy if you want to temporarily lock the workstation, without entirely disabling the Fast User Switching feature. It works only with administrator-level user account.

Command-line parameters supported
Arguments Description

/L Locks XP Workstation and the program remains
/Q Locks XP Workstation and the program quits


Laters

espresso

What about a password protected screensaver?

sra

I've used Matrix Screen Locker since it was recommended to me by someone here

Fantastic little program - lock the computer a system tray icon. All your programs can keep running while it's locked.

wolfman

You need to switch off fast user switching and the way users logon.

Go into Control Panel > User Accounts, and you can change it there. Pressing Alt-Ctrl-Delete will then bring up the standard Windows 2000 window with the Shut Down, Task Manager, Lock Computer etc... options.

cooldudecol

I know this isn't much help, but you can still use CTRL-ALT-Delete to lock your PC using Windows XP.

Not sure what's wrong

robnye

windows KEy + L

i use it all the time

MrBen_4

Is there any difference between using windows key + L with (i) fast user switching and (ii) without?
Apart from the welcome screen shown with fast user switching enabled.
I was sure all network/internet activity stopped the last time I "locked out" (not sure yet with fast user switching disabled as I've only just set that.

edit.. I think I understand:
(i) = welcome screen = allows other users to log on (IF they have a user account or there is a guest account)
(ii) = no welcome screen = basically just activating screen saver password instantly

Because my PC only has ONE account, (i) and (ii) make no difference (except the pretty welcome screen)

Thanks everyone. :beer:


Still don't know about the network activity thing.. maybe that was just an anomaly, or I LOGGED OUT without realising