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I'm trying to lock XP workstations after a period of inactivity via GPO. From what I can tell, one of the requirements is that a screensaver must be set. It appears that the only way to force the screensaver is to force a specific screensaver. I'd rather just set a default screensaver to use when a different one has not been specifically selected on the client while also removing the ability on the client to opt-out of a screensaver.

Basically, I don't care what screensaver is running, as long as there is one running. Is that possible?

Brian
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    Keep in mind that your users will always have the ability to select "none" as their screensaver and void your GPO. In my environment, I had to select a default screensaver for everyone and disallow them changing it. – GregD Apr 13 '11 at 21:50

2 Answers2

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In order to lock a workstation after X minutes, you should just need to set the three options below. This will not require configuring a specific screensaver. GPO Settings

Doug Luxem
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On my 2008r2 DC, under User Configuration\Policies\Administrative Templates\Control Panel\Personalization I can select Enable Screen Saver, Password Protect Screen Saver, and Screen Saver Timeout without specifying a screensaver itself. Force Specific Screen Saver is different.

Holocryptic
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  • The key was "enable screen saver". It confused me because the description talks about needing to set a screensaver executable for it to work. – Brian Apr 14 '11 at 16:13