Comments on: How to automatically lock workstation upon logon in XP?

Question: How to automatically lock workstation upon logon in XP?

Ekim Neems — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 16:11:13 -0800

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?

By: kindall

kindall — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 16:35:30 -0800

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.

By: SemiSophos

SemiSophos — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 16:55:25 -0800

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.

By: SemiSophos

SemiSophos — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 16:56:04 -0800

...Aaand I didn't fully read the question. The above doesn't automagically log you on, looks like kindall has this one :)

By: mysterious1der

mysterious1der — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 17:44:27 -0800

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

By: kindall

kindall — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 18:25:58 -0800

Yeah, the registry hack in that one is more clever.

By: krisjohn

krisjohn — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 18:48:33 -0800

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?

By: Gerard Sorme

Gerard Sorme — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 19:02:52 -0800

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.

-

By: mysterious1der

mysterious1der — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 19:12:26 -0800

@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.

By: china

china — Mon, 25 Dec 2006 17:38:16 -0800

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