want to start up with screen locked

  • Thread starter Thread starter oddstray
  • Start date Start date
O

oddstray

Hi,

When I start my WinXP machine, a bunch of scripts provided by our IT
people need to run. It takes non-trivial time.

I'd like to be able to start or log on and then walk away and get a cup
of coffee. But I'd like my screen to lock immediately so that no one
can access my machine through my keyboard while I'm down the hall at
the coffee machine.

I tried putting the screen-lock command into my Start folder, but
there's still a short bit of time after start-up or log-on before that
screen lock occurs. Is there anything I can do to get rid of that
short bit of time? (Run the screen-lock command from autoexec.bat?
Turn the screen-lock command into a service? Anything?)

TIA for any help ...
 
First of all autoexec.bat doesn't really apply in Windows XP, and it
would execute before you even get to a logon screen. You should be
able to log in, then hit the Windows key + the L key to lock your
workstation while your login scripts run. That's probably going to be
your fastest solution - you could also just turn your monitor off to
hide the fact that you were already logged in to dissuade the
potentially curious.
 
Seahawk60B said:
First of all autoexec.bat doesn't really apply in Windows XP, and it
would execute before you even get to a logon screen. You should be
able to log in, then hit the Windows key + the L key to lock your
workstation while your login scripts run. That's probably going to be
your fastest solution - you could also just turn your monitor off to
hide the fact that you were already logged in to dissuade the
potentially curious.
Click to expand...

Autoexec.bat is indeed a legitimate file that will be read at boot time by
XP. It just isn't a -required- file, that's all, whose funcitons I believe
are now in autoexec.nt.

It might work well for the OP; best advice is to try and see what happens.

Pop
 
While Autoexec.bat may still be a "legitimate" file in Windows XP, the
OP can modify it to his heart's content and it will do nothing to
address his issue - according to my interpretation of the original
post, he wants to lock his pc quickly AFTER HE LOGS IN.

In Windows XP, Autoexec.bat is a dummy file and the commands it holds
are disregarded except for the setting of environmental variables (Set
commands).

Autoexec.NT is used to set up the emulated DOS environment for a DOS
window, and you can have multiple Autoexec.xx files, with Autoexec.NT
being the system default.
 
Hi there,

I recommend just hitting the ctrl>alt>delete buttons and then the letter 'k'
or 'lock computer' button. This will lock your computer and wont unlock until
you enter your username and password.

It's fast and easy and needs no special programs.
 
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