Unlock computer when switch user is turned off?

Page 1 of 4 123 ... LastLast

  1. Posts : 6
    win7 enterprise
       #1

    Unlock computer when switch user is turned off?


    How do you unlock a computer (Win7 Enterprise) that has been locked by the previous user and "Fast User Switching" has been turned off? A little more details:
    The desktop reads, "Press Ctrl, Alt, Delete to unlock this computer" and below that its displays the user who is currently logged in and locked the computer. When you do press Ctrl, Alt, Delete to unlock the computer you are presented with an icon of the user account, the user's domain\username and a button labeled "Cancel."
    There is also the button in the lower right corner for "Ease of Access."
    In this situation, how do you unlock that user account or log that user off?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 13,354
    Windows 7 Professional x64
       #2

    Welcome!

    To unlock the account, you will need to type in the password.

    To log on to a different account, click "Cancel".
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 6
    win7 enterprise
    Thread Starter
       #3

    you didn't try what you are suggesting


    Yes, typing the password would be obvious. However, I posted the question because I wanted to know how to do it if we don't have the password.
    Pressing cancel just brings me back to the current "locked" user asking me for the password to unlock it because, as I stated in the first post, "Fast User Switching" is turned off. So there is no way to log on as a different user....at least that I can find.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       #4

    I do not think there is an easy solution. If there were it would defeat the purpose.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 13,354
    Windows 7 Professional x64
       #5
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 31,238
    Windows 11 Pro x64 [Latest Release and Release Preview]
       #6

    From the description of your issue this is in a domain environment and these settings have been installed by the system administrator. In this case the only one who can provide you with a solution is the said system administrator.

    I apologize if you are the system administrator and this has occured accidentally but we must respect the right of the administrator of a system to control things the way they deem fit for there purposes.
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 6
    win7 enterprise
    Thread Starter
       #7

    richc46 said:
    I do not think there is an easy solution. If there were it would defeat the purpose.
    There's always a workaround. System Admins are able to configure most items on a Windows box.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       #8

    I agree that there is a way, but do not think that it will be easy. Just like using the computer when you forget your password, there is a way, but not easy.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 6
    win7 enterprise
    Thread Starter
       #9

    richc46 said:
    I do not think there is an easy solution. If there were it would defeat the purpose.
    Remember in XP, when a computer was locked an admin could simply enter their credentials? Then XP would remind them that the current user would be logged off and lose any unsaved data. Remember that process? How do you do that in Win7 without Fast User Switching?
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 6
    win7 enterprise
    Thread Starter
       #10

    Thanks for the suggestions...
    The first one requires you to log in, so since the computer is locked that won't work. I don't want to change a password, just access the computer by unlocking it so we don't have to do a hard power down.

    The second one is a nice tool, I'll use that in the future...but again, I don't need to change a password. I need to access the computer when someone else has left themselves logged in and the computer is locked.
      My Computer


 
Page 1 of 4 123 ... LastLast

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:54.
Find Us