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Why do I need a password to leave my screensaver?

Okay, I am running Win XP. Right now, when there is no activity on my machine for about 5 minutes, the computer locks. In order to unlock it, I need to type in my username/password.

I don't have a screensaver running, so the "on resume, password protect" solution isn't affecting the situation.

I would like to either disable the locking feature altogether, or at least increase the wait time before it locks.

Dave's Answer:

You're not the first person to be stymied by this particular problem, but the good news is that there's one simple setting in Windows XP that will let you customize this to your needs.

Click on START --> Settings --> Display, then click on the Screen Saver tab and you'll see:

As you can see, there's a small box where you can specify how long before the screensaver starts up (I have 30 minutes specified).

If you don't like having the screensaver prompt you for your password each time, you can also uncheck the On resume, password protect box (as I do).

That should get you all fixed up, and good luck to you!

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Comments

If you click [START --> Settings --> Display --> Screen Saver --> Power --> Advanced], under "Options", there is a "Prompt for password when computer resumes from standby" checkbox that may also be the cause for locking the computer.
Whenever the monitor switches of (Power Management), it will also lock the computer.

Posted by: Henry at January 3, 2006 10:57 AM

The comment by henry was extremely helpful - thank you. I had the same problem as the questioner and unfortunately the first answer ignored the fact that the questioner knew about the "on resume, password protect" box and knew that wasn't what was causing it.

thank you henry - your solution was exactly what i needed

Posted by: HK at February 27, 2006 8:49 PM

My Aunt has a Dell Computer with Windows XP. She hadn't used it for about two months and had shut it down. Once she restarted it; Dos appeared with the computer information and then the blue screen came up with the box for the password. She had gotten the computer from someone, (who she can't find now), and does not know the password. She does not have access to the Start button and her mouse isn't working, only her keyboard. She has tried the escape button, typing in alternative words but nothing happens. Can you please advise. Thank you!!

Posted by: Terry at March 23, 2006 10:35 AM

Yah Right! "She had gotten the computer from someone, (who she can't find now), and does not know the password."
HAHHAHA, OK, that's a lesson for people who get stolen computers! Whoever sold it to your aunt must have stole it... I wouldn't go any further and try to make any presumptions about your intentions here, but I can only smile when I read your comment :)!

Posted by: YahRight at May 21, 2007 10:53 AM

Hi,
I am running on a Win XP environment. Right now, i want to change my screen saver settings from "on resume, password protect" to "on resume, display welcome screen"...

Can u please help me...

Posted by: Pokendi at April 27, 2008 7:36 PM

I have a lot to say, but ...

I have a lot to say, and questions of my own for that matter, but most of all I'd like to say thank you for all your efforts on this Web site by buying you a chai!

I do have a comment, now that you mention it!