Lock XP station

[adam777]

Hello all,
Does anyone knows of a software that will allow me to lock my R40 whenever needed (meaning, when i'm away) using some sort of Hotkey?
I mean something other than the Built-in XP "lock computer" option, perhaps using Client security solution (or any other IBM/LENOVO based solution).
Thanks in advance, Adam.

[mattfromomaha]

I just use the XP lock computer feature. Since TP's don't have a Windows key built in, I made a shortcut next to the start button to lock it...

%windir%\System32\rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation

Works great for me!

[davidspalding]

Hot dang, Matt, thanks. I've used CTRL + ALT + Z on my systems for many years, to launch a screensaver ... back in Win3.1/Norton Desktop daze, it would engage a screensaver with locking. Now I can use this. Thanks! (Neat shortcut to put on QuickLaunch next to show desktop, using the orange/beige "key" icon from shell32.dll.)

BTW I posted elsewhere that there's a seemingly undocumented keystroke .. I think FN + F2 launched a locking thing on T4x's. Or ... CTRL + ALT + DEL, K usually works for me, has for years.

[EDIT] Oh, and duh ... I just realized that with Matt's shortcut, you can specify a shortcut key combo to it (Properties > shortcut key), then map one of the UltraNav touchpad keys to it (I use left and right for Start and Context Menu (right-click) respectively). Voila ... your one-key solution for locking the screen.

[dr_st]

Windows+L is the shortcut for lock computer. Since I use the Windows key frequently, I just assigned the right alt to it, so it's RightAlt+L on my T42. Not that I use it. I don't even have an admin password.

[davidspalding]

I'd forgotten teh Keyboard Customization utility (KBU). I stopped using it because I use both left and right CTRL and ALT keys (obviously, a TP being a wise choice for that) ... and it was messing me up. Typical "YMMV" situation, The Dr is IN and has a good alternative.

I wish the KBU could be used to map the FN key to additional features, like FN + L, FN + E, et al. ... Now watch someone will have a way to do that, too.

[EDIT] BTW, Adam, on my t43, the lastest Client Security Solution thingie (with fingerprint "passports" used) replaces the Windows login/unlock dialogs, so locking a system with the normal XP procedures mentioned here does use the CSS mechanism. I rather like it ... quick locking, and a finger-swipe to unlock. I didn't think I'd use it, but....

[adam777]

Thank you all for your comments.
The Fn-F2 published by david and shortcut published by matt are both great solutions.
However, both of them use the built-in XP feature.
As david mentioned, installing CSS replae the XP built-in feature with fingertip-swipe.
Now, since i do not have a fingertip reader i'm looking for a CSS (or any other non-XP) based solution that basically stores the needed password anywhere instead of relying on standard XP mechanism.
Thanks again, Adam.

[dr_st]

I'd forgotten teh Keyboard Customization utility (KBU). I stopped using it because I use both left and right CTRL and ALT keys (obviously, a TP being a wise choice for that) ... and it was messing me up. Typical "YMMV" situation, The Dr is IN and has a good alternative.

I wish the KBU could be used to map the FN key to additional features, like FN + L, FN + E, et al.

Yeah, being able to assign Fn to various stuff would be cool. I also like to use RightAlt as Alt sometimes. And I also like the Windows key on the left. But I prefer being able to use both of them, even if I cannot use them in the most convenient positions.

[davidspalding]

Now, since i do not have a fingertip reader i'm looking for a CSS (or any other non-XP) based solution that basically stores the needed password anywhere instead of relying on standard XP mechanism.
Thanks again, Adam.

You don't need the fingerprint reader,...

But. Okay, you've lost me here ... precisely why don't you want to use the XP security manager subsystem for password locking? The way that NT 3.51/4.0/2000/XP is constructed, that's a pretty doggone secure avenue....

[adam777]

Now, since i do not have a fingertip reader i'm looking for a CSS (or any other non-XP) based solution that basically stores the needed password anywhere instead of relying on standard XP mechanism.
Thanks again, Adam.

You don't need the fingerprint reader,...

But. Okay, you've lost me here ... precisely why don't you want to use the XP security manager subsystem for password locking? The way that NT 3.51/4.0/2000/XP is constructed, that's a pretty doggone secure avenue....

Well, to be honest, mainly out of curiosity...
It's not like i have top secret stuff on my laptop i need to prevent access to

[davidspalding]

I think your path of least resistance would be to create a shortcut file using Matt's command, put a shortcut key on it, then map a button (right Touchpad button?) to it. Voila, instant, one-key locking.

1. Right-click desktop. Select New -> Shortcut.
2. In Command, paste in Matt's neat trick. => %windir%\system32\rundll32.exe user32.dll, LockWorkStation
3. In Name, type Lock ThinkPad
4. Click Finish.
5. Right-click the new shortcut, select Properties.
6. Click Change Icon, type in SHELL32.DLL, ENTER, and then find the beigh icon with the key. Double-click it.
7. Type in a comment if you like.
8. Very Important: type a keyboard shortcut for this shortcut ... I used ALT + SHIFT + L.
9. Click OK.
10. Drop the shortcut on your Start Menu.
11. Optional: Launch the Ultranav Wizard. Program one of the touchpad buttons for Key macro, and record that keystroke shortcut. Voila!

[adam777]

Thanks all

[davidspalding]

It had kinda bothered me that the UltraNav settings wasn't letting me record a keystroke sequence very easily. I kept at it, and finally got it to record and execute a keystroke like ALT + SHIFT + L, and when I set that keystroke for my "Lock workstation" shortcut as described above, it worked consistently.

So there you are ... a single button press (I used the right Touchpad button), and my system was locked. Pretty nice idea. I might use it for my screen server or Show/Hide Desktop. Thanks for an interesting and education post, Adam. ,:)

[adam777]

It had kinda bothered me that the UltraNav settings wasn't letting me record a keystroke sequence very easily. I kept at it, and finally got it to record and execute a keystroke like ALT + SHIFT + L, and when I set that keystroke for my "Lock workstation" shortcut as described above, it worked consistently.

So there you are ... a single button press (I used the right Touchpad button), and my system was locked. Pretty nice idea. I might use it for my screen server or Show/Hide Desktop. Thanks for an interesting and education post, Adam. ,:)

Thank you (for the educational part ).