Hi Experts,

When we want to lock the computer we do the following:
Ctrl Alt Del
(A dialog box appears)
Lock computer

When we want to unlock the computer we do the following:
Ctrl Alt Del
(A dialog box appears)
Key in password
Enter

Using VB script in XP Professional is it possible to:
1.      automate the above,
2.      automate a shutdown at specified time?

Thanks.
1) I would not recommending scripting the entry of user passwords, this will create large security holes. PERHAPS if you could explain a bit more of the purpose there might be a better work around.

2) To shutdown XP I would simply use the built in Shutdown.exe program.

Type shutdown -? to get a LIST of options.

You should be able to force the shutdown of a locked MACHINE if the running scripts has the correct privledges (IE: admin)

The intend is to start up the pc to run some programs,
upon completion force shutdoown the pc.

Thanks.
How do you intend to start the system in the first place?Thinking of using the BIOS to setup the Pc on certain days/time.

Thanks.Does your BIOS cater for this?You can setup Windows to automatically login on startup that would take care of the login without the need for CTRL-ALT-DELETE, so long as you are okay with this.

I imagine the shutdown command should work regardless of whether or not the workstation is locked.

As for the auto-startup, if BIOS doesn't support it you could hard wire it in such a way such that by plugging   in the PC turns it on, and then hook the plug up to a timer.

I had a machine setup like this before, but it was pretty hard on the power supply, it was easier to just leave it on all the time.