3rd party software to lock computer after inactivity

[pdxmunkel]

I am finding Windows 7 does not do a good enough job locking our desktops after 15 minutes of inactivity. I have a few computers that almost always refuse to go to screensaver and lock even with a global policy rule to do so. Is there any good 3rd party software that anyone has personal experience with that accomplishes this task?

Thanks!

 

[goombawaho]

What about using Power Options advanced settings to set them to go to "sleep after: 15 minutes" and set option for "require a password on wakeup". PCs seem to be very responsive to the power setting. This wouldn't rely on the screensaver function.

"Living tomorrow is everyone's sorrow.
Modern man's daydreams have turned into nightmares.

 

[cdogg]

pdxmunkel,
Is there anything different between the workstations that aren't locking and the ones that lock fine? Perhaps a particular software program?

It sounds like they are using a program that's always left open and is somehow convincing Windows that it's constantly active. So even if the user doesn't move the mouse or touch the keyboard, the app is registering activity. Try to find out if this is the case. If it is, changing the power options may not make a difference either. Also, it would help to know what the app is called and whether or not they have to log in to use it.



-Carl
"The glass is neither half-full nor half-empty: it's twice as big as it needs to be."

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[pdxmunkel]

What I have found is a task called "system" is using 12-18% of processor at all times. Using Process explorer I have been able to determine it is ACPI.sys using that processor. Since then I have installed new bios, firmware, drivers for almost every HW component etc. Nothing different than other comps in our org. About ready to swap the desktop.... Was hoping there was a good third party solution as I have seen various items keep a comp awake even when screensaver/sleep is specified. Thanks!

 

[cdogg]

Good job on narrowing that down. ACPI deals with power management in Windows. Googling ACPI and high cpu usage turns up a few suggestions you can check out. It looks like for several peeps, updating the BIOS and/or resetting the BIOS to its factory defaults fixed it. I would try both.

If that doesn't help, go out to the manufacturer's website and install all of the latest drivers. The important ones are definitely the chipset and GPU (if it's integrated), but it wouldn't hurt to run down the list. If it's an Intel CPU, keep an eye out for any Intel ME drivers. Definitely install those as well. Beware of installing the latest drivers from Windows Update. Microsoft often publishes drivers not yet released on the manufacturer's website, usually because they either haven't been tested or they're being intentionally skipped.



-Carl
"The glass is neither half-full nor half-empty: it's twice as big as it needs to be."

[tab][navy]For this site's posting policies, click [/navy]here.

 

[xwb]

Could it be something like the reflective surface on which the mouse is used? I had that problem on one of my machines - it wouldn't lock because the mouse cursor was jumping all over the place. Turned out to be the surface on which I placed the mouse.

 

[goombawaho]

XWB - that's just crazy enough to be a possibility. I'd try that first just because it's so easy, then all the updates as suggested.

"Living tomorrow is everyone's sorrow.
Modern man's daydreams have turned into nightmares.

 

[pdxmunkel]

bumping this again for some visibility, maybe someone has some good software suggestions. I have replaced and reformatted the trouble machines after trying other suggestions. There are always a few users who leave an active window in IE open or the like that seem to prevent a lock. Need a good software solution.....