preventing people from using the computer

[rorpan]

I have xp pro and would like to prevent the kids from using the machine without my permission. Is there a way to password lockdown the machine?
thanks

 

[AtTheGates]

Go to Control Panel->User Accounts then create a password for all your users. Then go to display properties and set it to display weclome screen on resume.

 

[johnjkr1]

Once you give them the password, they won't need to ask you to use it anymore. Unless you change it each time.

 

[Smilin]

Give the kids their own account and turn off automatic logon for starters.

Also check your help files for the "net user" command. It gives you parameters that allow you to restrict their logon based on time. Keep in mind this does not log them off when time expires.

 

[JonathanYoung]

Originally posted by: Smilin
Give the kids their own account and turn off automatic logon for starters.

Also check your help files for the "net user" command. It gives you parameters that allow you to restrict their logon based on time. Keep in mind this does not log them off when time expires.

You can force users to logoff once their time expires by doing the following:

click on start->run
type "gpedit.msc" without the quotation marks
Double click on Windows Settings under Computer Configuration
Double click Security Settings
Double click Local Policies
Click Security Options
Scroll down and look for "Network Security: Force logoff when logon hours expire", double click on it
Select Enabled, click OK, close Group Policy, restart to take effect

There's actually a way to apply policies without restarting but I forgot what it was, but if you want to limit your kids' computer time, this is a good way to do it. Good luck!

Edit: One more thing, you don't need to create a password for your kids' accounts because as someone else mentioned, once they have the password, they can log on whenever they want. Instead, go to user management and disable your kids' accounts when you don't want them on the computer. It's much simpler because you just click one box each time you want to allow or disallow your kids to use the computer. Here's how (with help from microsoft.com):

Click Start, and then click Control Panel. Click Performance and Maintenance, click Administrative Tools, and then double-click Computer Management.

The Computer Management window for the local computer is displayed. "Computer Management (Local)" is displayed at the root of the console tree.

Double click Local Users and Groups, click Users, and then double click the username(s) of your kids' accounts. Check or uncheck the Account is disabled box whenever you want to give or take away permission to use the computer. Good luck!

 

[Jeff7]

And use a screensaver password for your account, in case you leave the PC running while the kids are around. If they want to get around it, they may try to reboot with the reset switch, only to be met with another password prompt.

 

[HKSturboKID]

How old are your kids?