Why dont allow me to lock the XP machine?
hi folks here,
XP does not support locking workstation any more if you enable fast user switching, i really dont understand why MS had such a design, could some gurus here give me a reasonable explanation?
moreover, i really need this feature. e.g. when i leave the computer for a while, i dont allow others access it while keep the applications running well. so standby is not an option here. any workaround tricks?
many thanks in advance.
cheers,
bbao
XP does not support locking workstation any more if you enable fast user switching, i really dont understand why MS had such a design, could some gurus here give me a reasonable explanation?
moreover, i really need this feature. e.g. when i leave the computer for a while, i dont allow others access it while keep the applications running well. so standby is not an option here. any workaround tricks?
many thanks in advance.
cheers,
bbao
Lee W, MVP
Put a password on your account. It SHOULD prevent users from reentering your desktop if they don't enter the password.
ASKER
so quick reply. :) hehe, i am sure i know this. but how can i lock the machine to activate the login screen? ctrl-alt-del does not do this, it only invoke Task Manager. :(
I don't generally use XP home, so I can't tell you for certain, but I believe you just go to Start Menu, select Shutdown and "Switch Users". This should put you back at the user selection screen. Then, if you've configured a password for your account, you shouldn't be able to get back to your desktop without it.
ASKER
i am sure i know this, too. :) it is a bit labor intensive way, so i am here looking for the way to lock the workstation instantly, just like what i do on NT/2K/2K3, to hit ctrl-alt-del. and, i also want to know why MS thinks this function is conflictive with fast user switching, a function i need too.
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ASKER
btw, i am using XP/PRO, specifically, XP tablet edition. you may just think it is a PRO.
SOLUTION
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Or for free:
To lock your Windows XP workstation, press the Windows key (i.e., the key with the Windows logo) + L.
To lock your Windows XP workstation, press the Windows key (i.e., the key with the Windows logo) + L.
ASKER
haha leew, you should be awarded: that works! :) many thanks!
but i am still looking for the answer of my primary question, WHY MS does this? hehe.
but i am still looking for the answer of my primary question, WHY MS does this? hehe.
Because if you can LOCK the workstation then you can't switch users. Switching users itself is like locking the workstation when you have a password on the account.
Not trying to be a smartass with the (i.e.) part -just copied from elsewhere.. ;-) I've wondered about it myself for some time but never bothered to look into the question further until seeing your post... It worked for me on a tablet PC.
Regards,
Mike
Regards,
Mike
And now I feel like an ass anyway since someone else already said this. Answering why MS did this is beyond me....
I do think leew should get the points, though. ;-)
I do think leew should get the points, though. ;-)
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ASKER
thanks vtsinc, leew just suggested the WIN+L solution. i also just visited the site you mentioned, it seems a lot of people have the same question as mine. the utility looks good, but it works only with administrator-level user account. :(
as what i thought before, it seems the two features are not conflictive. any reasonable explanation for why MS does it? any MS guys here? hehe ;)
as what i thought before, it seems the two features are not conflictive. any reasonable explanation for why MS does it? any MS guys here? hehe ;)
How are they not conflictive? When you lock the computer, ONLY the use can unlock it. So if you are to use Fast User Switching, HOW could they switch if only the current user could unlock it?
ASKER
hi sramesh2k, MS might think WIN+L can completely replace CTRL+ALT+DEL. see the follows for its official explanations:
Using CTRL+ALT+DEL Key Combination to Open Windows Security Opens Task Manager
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q281980
How to Quickly Lock Your Computer and Use Other Windows Logo Shortcut Keys
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q294317
here is another informative link:
Different Ways to Lock Windows XP (by Vic Ferri)
http://pubs.logicalexpressions.com/Pub0009/LPMArticle.asp?ID=70
thank you all gurus :)
Using CTRL+ALT+DEL Key Combination to Open Windows Security Opens Task Manager
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q281980
How to Quickly Lock Your Computer and Use Other Windows Logo Shortcut Keys
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q294317
here is another informative link:
Different Ways to Lock Windows XP (by Vic Ferri)
http://pubs.logicalexpressions.com/Pub0009/LPMArticle.asp?ID=70
thank you all gurus :)
ASKER
> When you lock the computer, ONLY the use can unlock it.
> So if you are to use Fast User Switching, HOW could they switch if only the current user could unlock it?
IMHO, thats not how MS thinks about it. see Q294317 for the answer. :)
> So if you are to use Fast User Switching, HOW could they switch if only the current user could unlock it?
IMHO, thats not how MS thinks about it. see Q294317 for the answer. :)
I think that's what I said, just poorly articulated:
"If the Fast User Switching feature is enabled and you lock the computer, you can observe the same behavior as if you switched users: The computer returns to the Welcome screen and other users can log on to the computer."
"If the Fast User Switching feature is enabled and you lock the computer, you can observe the same behavior as if you switched users: The computer returns to the Welcome screen and other users can log on to the computer."
ASKER
thank you, the points splitted, hope that's ok... :)