Allow regular user to unlock screensaver locked computer

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Allow regular user to unlock screensaver locked computer

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All Forums >> [Workstation Support] >> Windows Workstation >> Allow regular user to unlock screensaver locked computer

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Allow regular user to unlock screensaver locked computer - 6/10/2008 5:04:24 PM

MartyG

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Joined: 6/10/2008
Status: offline

We have the problem that in a multiuser environment users either lock their computers, or have the screensaver automatically lock it, and leave the workstation. As a result, nobody else can use that computer. By default, only the current user or an adminstrator can unlock the computer. I would like to allow select users who don't have administrator access to unlock the computer.

Is there a group policy or Windows Security setting that would allow some of my users (i.e. non administators) to unlock a workstation?

So far all I can find is a third party application ( Unlock Administrator http://www.e-motional.com/ULAdmin.htm ) This program seems to do the trick but I obviously would prefer to do this through GP.

Note: I don't want to let just anyone to unlock the computer - I want to be able to select only some users.

Any suggestions?

Post #: 1

RE: Allow regular user to unlock screensaver locked com... - 6/10/2008 5:19:46 PM

ndaniels

Posts: 177
Score: 29
Joined: 2/24/2006
From: The Republic of Elbonia
Status: offline

Just a thought: Is this a task you could pawn off on your support desk (assuming you have one)? They could potentially use the "SHUTDOWN" command to remotely reboot the workstation and free it up.

(in reply to MartyG)

Post #: 2

RE: Allow regular user to unlock screensaver locked com... - 6/12/2008 10:22:38 AM

bmagurn

Posts: 58
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Joined: 10/8/2001
Status: offline

We have been asked for this in the past, and what we always find out is that it is only a matter of time before users learn that if they don't log off, someone else will power the machine off and lose their work. Which is what happens anyway when you force logoff the user any way.

Keep a list of the people who don't logoff and give them grief, scold them, whatever normal "disciplenary" type measures you normally use. Eventually people learn.
The best option is really to just force shutdown the machine and then someone else can login.

(in reply to ndaniels)

Post #: 3

RE: Allow regular user to unlock screensaver locked com... - 6/12/2008 3:50:16 PM

kdsrazor

Posts: 230
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Joined: 1/6/2006
Status: offline

I know in a lot of environments neither one of these offered solutions would "fly".
Its great if you can get away with it, but "teaching" employees that they've made a mistake by causing them pain (ie. losing work and production) can often backlash against an IT department. It is, afterall, our job to keep people productive.... even though we all wish we could secretly install ejection seats that could be remotely activated when problematic people call the helpdesk.

Unfortunately, MartyG, I know of no way with group policy to allow certain select non-admin accounts to be able to administratively unlock or log someone else out.
If you have been unsuccessful at changing the culture or behaviour of the users, and can't find another creative approach to fix their behaviour, then you will probably have to look to a third party solution.

Good luck.

< Message edited by kdsrazor -- 6/12/2008 3:52:12 PM >

_____________________________

Ken Aldrich
Senior Support Engineer
Visual Click Software
512-231-9990 x 2
supportw@visualclick.com

(in reply to bmagurn)

Post #: 4

RE: Allow regular user to unlock screensaver locked com... - 6/12/2008 8:45:56 PM

ndaniels

Posts: 177
Score: 29
Joined: 2/24/2006
From: The Republic of Elbonia
Status: offline

I guess the question is: Are you looking for a technical solution or a "political" solution?

Technical Solutions: (1) Idea previously mentioned. (2) Third party software which automatically reboots the computer when idle. Based upon a quick web search, something like this might work: http://www.barefootinc.com/autoshutdown.htm (Note: I did not do any testing with this utility--just found it in a web search.)

Political Solution: Press your case with upper management and get a policy passed against leaving a workstation locked when the user is no longer physically present. Then the manager of each offending user will be responsible for policy enforcement -- not the IT staff.

(in reply to kdsrazor)

Post #: 5