If you need to step away from your workstation for a few minutes, you might want to lock it to prevent passersby from being able to access your data. To lock your Windows XP workstation, press the Windows key (i.e., the key with the Windows logo) + L. This trick doesn't work on Windows 2000, but it works on Windows Server 2003.

—Jeff Lambert
jeff.lambert@gdxautomotive.com

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Reader Comments

I have a IBM T20 Laptop that don't have the Windows key on it.

Angel- February 20, 2004

You can create a shortcut in Windows 2000 that will allow the system to be locked. You need to create a shortcut that targets "rundll32 user32.dll,LockWorkStation" and assign a shortcut key combination to the shortcut (unfortunately you can't use Windows key combinations.)

Windows 2000 Lock hotkey- February 24, 2004

This only works if you are connected to a domain. In Windows XP home and Windows XP Pro (not connected to a domain) pressing the Windows key + L will only do a "Fast User Switch" instead of locking the box.

Tory Gilbert- March 01, 2004

Thanks for the tip Jeff.

I guess we all have the need to lock our workstations while not manning them (most companies have strict policies enforcing this) and being able to do so via some or the other shortcut always helps. For those operating on Windows versions prior to XP and 2003, here's what I normally do:

(1.) Windows 9.x & ME: Set your screen saver to "Blank Screen" and enable password protection - remember to "Change" your password so that it's not blank. Next make a new shortcut that points to "C:\Windows\System\Blank Screen.scr" Now you can assign a shortcut key combination to this shortcut, say for example "Ctrl+Alt+S" or simply place it somewhere (Quick Launch?) where it will be convenient for you to click it.

(2.) Windows 2000: Create a new shortcut with the following target "%windir%\system32\rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation" Again you can assign a shortcut key combination to this shortcut, say for example "Ctrl+Alt+S" or simply place it somewhere (Quick Launch?) where it will be convenient for you to click it. This also works for Windows XP and 2003 in case you prefer to click the shortcut instead of using the KB shortcut.

Hope this helps :)

Regards

Wicus Kriel- March 06, 2004

Actually... if you assign a password to the user account for Windows XP H/P... it will ask for the password when you try to log back in, REGUARDLESS if it is connected to a DC or not.

Dude- July 01, 2004

As far as Windows XP/Home and locking the computer, if you have admin access ( assume you do if your not connected to a domain" Go into the user control panel applet and simply disable fast user switching. Heck, I disable the welcome screen. Anyway, that'll enable you to lock through WinKey + L

Jtegg13- August 10, 2004

Article Rating 3 out of 5

I have XP home and I went into my desktop properties and I believe advanced power settings for my laptop and made it so that I can put my computer on standby by pressing the power button or closing the lid, then when I reopen it or press the power button to bring it back up it prompts me for my password.

Anonymous User- March 22, 2005

Article Rating 3 out of 5

 
 

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