Screensaver Password Protection Does Not Work (328000)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

This article was previously published under Q328000

SYMPTOMS

When you return to Windows from your password-protected screensaver, you are not prompted for your password.

CAUSE

This behavior may occur if you start the screensaver manually. For example, if you click a shortcut on your desktop to start the screensaver, you are not prompted for your password. To use the password protection functionality on your screensaver, the screensaver must be started automatically by Windows.

RESOLUTION

To prevent this behavior from occurring, do not start your screensaver manually if you want it to be protected by a password.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

When the computer times out because of inactivity, a Windows logon security feature starts the screensaver. When the screensaver is stopped because of user input (for example, keyboard activity or mouse activity), Windows locks the workstation. When you start the screensaver manually, Windows logon security features are not involved and the workstation is not locked.

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:8/22/2002
Keywords:kbbug KB328000