Quick question on the "lock this computer" button in Windows Vista (Ultimate). Our tech's are loading windows vista on some new computers in my room (I am a computer apps instructor) and the first thing I noticed was the "lock this computer" button. Now, I am not the only class that uses this room, and red flags went up as soon as I saw this button...
For the average home user, office worker, etc...this is great. For a classroom full of new students, some who do things by accident, some who do things because they can, how do I disable or remove this "lock this computer" button from the start menu for "classroom purposes". They will never need it, I will never need it. It is only going to cause grief and many trips by admin everytime someone fools with it that shouldn't.
Thanks, MSOffice Instructor Jacksonville, NC

I don't know of a way to disable or remove that button, but even if I did there are other ways of doing the same thing (and Windows has had this ability since Windows NT, so it's nothing new. More tempting now that there is a button, perhaps...).
However, if you have the machines all set up to log in automatically on startup to a particular account, if someone locks the computer just log back in. If you don't want them to know the auto-login credentials, just reboot and let it log back in. No need for an administrator to visit.
Regards,
Dave

On May 1, 3:45 pm, "Dave R." <dwragle at drbsystems dot com> wrote:

Dave,
Thank you for your speedy answer. They all do login to a particular student account (it's automatic all 'student", no Novell screen anymore, as they used to have to sign in as computer RD20501 or RD20502 ect...up to last two digits of 24 as there are 24 computers), but now Windows Vista just loads up no signing in required.
Is it really just that easy? If they lock the computer, I just reboot, as there is no log-in credentials to type in anymore as with Novell. What's the point of a "lock my computer" button for then? Just curious.
Appreciate your help very much.

If the Lock the computer button is pressed, it simply returns you to the login screen. This is handy in an environment such as an office where you have a lot of people walking by your desk and you want to keep your information private without actually logging off. Younget the same effect by pressing the WINKEY+L keys. You do not need to reboot to get back to the desktop.

Ronnie Vernon Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User

Its even easier than rebooting if I understand what you are saying - you know the username and password, so you can just log back in. The "Lock" button will take you to the login screen. It doesn't log you out, so programs keep running, it's just a way to keep prying eyes and curious hands off your stuff if you have to step away from the system for a few minutes. It's much more useful in a corporate environment.
Regards,
Dave