How to automatically lock workstation upon logon in XP?

December 22, 2006 4:11 PM

I'm trying to find a "lost" tweak that automatically used XP's "lock workstation" feature on boot.

I've recently reformatted my computer, but about 6 months or so ago on Digg or Reddit or one of those link dumps I came across a tweak to help with boot-up times. Basically, instead of the standard XP logon screen (or the NT style one), it would log me in automatically and then immediately lock the workstation. This gave me the security of password protection but while it was locked it would load all my startup programs. I believe it required editing the registry. Does anyone know how to accomplish this?

posted by Ekim Neems to computers & internet (9 comments total)

I did it with AutoHotKey. Just write a script that says:

Send "#L"

Convert that to an EXE and add it to your startup program group.
posted by kindall at 4:35 PM on December 22, 2006

Run gpedit.msc, navigate to:
Local Computer Policy/Windows Settings/Security Settings/ Local Policies/Security Options

Look for the option about ctrl-alt-del on login.
posted by SemiSophos at 4:55 PM on December 22, 2006

...Aaand I didn't fully read the question. The above doesn't automagically log you on, looks like kindall has this one :)
posted by SemiSophos at 4:56 PM on December 22, 2006

I'm sure the AutoHotKey method will work, but I think this might be the blog post you referenced.

Boot Up Windows Before You Even Log In
posted by mysterious1der at 5:44 PM on December 22, 2006 [1 favorite has favorites]

Yeah, the registry hack in that one is more clever.
posted by kindall at 6:25 PM on December 22, 2006

You do realise that if someone turns your PC on and holds the control key down just after your account details are entered, that the screensaver won't kick in and there will be no security?
posted by krisjohn at 6:48 PM on December 22, 2006

You might take a look at a paid solution called, Lock My PC from FSPro labs. I have used it for four years and love it. It can lock all (including ROM drives) on demand and at-boot. It has a free trial and the cost is $19.95, but it has a great feature set and is well worth it, imo.

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posted by Gerard Sorme at 7:02 PM on December 22, 2006

@krisjohn - Who mentioned anything about a screensaver? The solution mentioned, which I used to use when my PC was in a dorm room, calls the Windows 'Lock Workstation' process. It mirrors the functionality of pressing Windows+L while you are logged in. No delay (not a functional one anyway, it does flash the wallpaper) and no screensaver involved.

Gerard's solution sounds quality, just very much less free.
posted by mysterious1der at 7:12 PM on December 22, 2006

hi there!

you can execute the command:
rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation

This will simulate pressing the WIN+L keys. You can insert this into a batch file in your 'startup' folder, for example!

^_^y
posted by china at 5:38 PM on December 25, 2006