Locking your Windows XP computer

When you lock a Windows XP computer it can no longer be accessed by others and the applications on your screen are hidden. When you unlock the computer again, everything is displayed just as it was when you left.

If you have several applications running and want to pick up right where you are, locking the computer can be quite useful. You may even want to leave it locked overnight so you can be productive again in the morning without delay.

Things you should know if you lock your computer:

Locking the computer and leaving it running for several days (such as over the weekend) is not recommended because of the energy used by a running computer
If you share your computer with others, locking the computer will prevent them accessing it
If you have requested service, DoTS will also not be able to access your computer
It is recommended that you save your work before locking the computer in case there is a power outage
If a computer that is locked must be accessed by someone other than the person that locked it, press and hold the power button for several seconds until the computer shuts down. Then restart the computer. Any unsaved work will be lost if this is done, so only do this if really necessary

Locking and unlocking your Windows XP computer

To lock your computer, press the Windows key and then the el key (L) at the same time. Or, you can press Ctrl-Alt-Del and then click Lock Workstation. A Workstation Locked message appears and everything else on screen is hidden.

To unlock your computer, press Ctrl-Alt-Del as prompted on screen and provide your password.