Lock Computer Problem

Zelig · Jul 13, 2008, 01:01 AM

I've been having a horribly annoying problem when I "lock" my computer manually, or have it set to go automatically when the monitor goes off. It doesn't happen consistently, I have to leave the computer locked for a while to trigger it.

Symptoms include all the icons disappearing from the start menu, and the inability to open anything. Since I can't open windows explorer, or anything else, I can't take screenshots of anything.

Doubleclicking an icon on the desktop results in nothing happening, hitting windows key + e returns a dialog box with "The parameter is incorrect."

Ctrl+alt+delete + log off, then logging back on fixes the problem.

Sorry it's so vague, but it's difficult to troubleshoot the problem when I'm unable to do open any files. If anyone needs me to try stuff, I'll lock my rig overnight, and try stuff in the morning.

Any ideas?

Judas · Jul 15, 2008, 06:28 PM

lol i have no ideas at all..
that's just plain out bizzare imo...

haven't a clue where to start...

Zelig · Jul 15, 2008, 09:14 PM

Yeah, I've got no idea what to do either. Posted this on another tech forum and also got 0 replies there.

I even wiped Vista clean and reinstalled when SP1 came out, and the problem persisted.

If I don't lock the computer, everything runs nicely for weeks without logging out or rebooting.

Tril · Jul 15, 2008, 10:40 PM

I can only say that I've got Vista 64 too, lock my computer many times a day and I've never experienced this.

Does the computer go into deep hibernation mode when it's locked for a long time?

Zelig · Jul 15, 2008, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tril

I can only say that I've got Vista 64 too, lock my computer many times a day and I've never experienced this.

Does the computer go into deep hibernation mode when it's locked for a long time?

No, my motherboard doesn't enjoy deep hibernation mode.

I've tried turning off all the powersaving features, even with the monitor left on and everything, the problem still happens if left locked for a while.

BlueMak · Jul 16, 2008, 08:02 AM

Could be some weird overheating issue. I think I encountered something similar years ago, but that was a virus issue, and you say you have reformated the drive, so unless you install other types of programs apart from Vista (which I guess is a legitimate copy), I can't see that happening.

PangingJr · Aug 1, 2008, 07:59 AM

try again Zelig (if you could or when you can), with a new install of Vista and the copy is updated, but donot install 3rd party software programs yet.

raiden · Oct 18, 2008, 10:24 AM

is your model VERY VERY old?try some system utility like windows manager.if that doesnt work,i suggest not to lock your comp.dont hibernate as it can put a stress on the mothrboard.

Jul 13, 2008, 01:01 AM	#1
Zelig HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 3,187 Rep Power: 69 System Specs	Lock Computer Problem I've been having a horribly annoying problem when I "lock" my computer manually, or have it set to go automatically when the monitor goes off. It doesn't happen consistently, I have to leave the computer locked for a while to trigger it. Symptoms include all the icons disappearing from the start menu, and the inability to open anything. Since I can't open windows explorer, or anything else, I can't take screenshots of anything. Doubleclicking an icon on the desktop results in nothing happening, hitting windows key + e returns a dialog box with "The parameter is incorrect." Ctrl+alt+delete + log off, then logging back on fixes the problem. Sorry it's so vague, but it's difficult to troubleshoot the problem when I'm unable to do open any files. If anyone needs me to try stuff, I'll lock my rig overnight, and try stuff in the morning. Any ideas? __________________ --

Jul 15, 2008, 09:14 PM	Thread Starter #3
Zelig HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 3,187 Rep Power: 69 System Specs	Yeah, I've got no idea what to do either. Posted this on another tech forum and also got 0 replies there. I even wiped Vista clean and reinstalled when SP1 came out, and the problem persisted. If I don't lock the computer, everything runs nicely for weeks without logging out or rebooting. __________________ --

Jul 16, 2008, 08:02 AM	#6
BlueMak HH's Asteroids' Dominator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Hellas->Macedonia->Thessaloniki Posts: 13,240 Rep Power: 326 System Specs	Could be some weird overheating issue. I think I encountered something similar years ago, but that was a virus issue, and you say you have reformated the drive, so unless you install other types of programs apart from Vista (which I guess is a legitimate copy), I can't see that happening. __________________ The people who are regarded as moral luminaries are those who forego ordinary pleasures themselves and find compensation in interfering with the pleasures of others(Bertrand Russell)"You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didn't wear a veil,You know, guys like that ain't got no manhood left anyway. So it's a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them." - Lt. Gen. James N. Mattis This is slavery, not to speak one's thought. [Euripides-The Phoenician Women (c.411-409 B.C.)] http://www.macedonia.info/FALLACIESANDFACTS.htm *Sic semper tyrannis.*

Oct 18, 2008, 10:24 AM	#8
raiden DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 8 Rep Power: 0	Re: Lock Computer Problem is your model VERY VERY old?try some system utility like windows manager.if that doesnt work,i suggest not to lock your comp.dont hibernate as it can put a stress on the mothrboard.

Jul 15, 2008, 10:40 PM	#4
Tril S-3D enthusiast Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 1,674 Rep Power: 62 System Specs	I can only say that I've got Vista 64 too, lock my computer many times a day and I've never experienced this. Does the computer go into deep hibernation mode when it's locked for a long time?

Aug 1, 2008, 07:59 AM	#7
PangingJr Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 5,989 Rep Power: 69	try again Zelig (if you could or when you can), with a new install of Vista and the copy is updated, but donot install 3rd party software programs yet.