Might try from the run line...
Control Userpasswords2
or
Netplwiz.exe

There is a check box to require password at login... or not.

If it works on Xp.. then make yourself a desktop shortcut... then all you will need to do is open it and check or uncheck the box that says something like 'User must use password at login'

Go to Control Panel-User accounts. Open Administrator account and make a password . That's what I do. My computer stays on all day, but if someone wants to use it they need to log in with my password (which I don't give). When you are at Control Panel-User Accounts, make sure you open the Guest Account. If someone needs to use your computer, they can go on as a guest. It gives them limited access.

Everyone uses my netbook which sits on the kitchen counter, but they must use the guest account because I don't give them my password for my account.

Hope that helps,
Jane

I only need this to happen on days when I have the house cleaner here which is once a month at most. I hope it is easy to go back to no log on required?

Thanks
Ginny

If you are not going to be there and don't want anyone using it at all then turn off the power and remove the power cord from the pc and hide it in a drawer. That way you don't have to worry about changing your log in.

What Raven said.

I never leave my cleaner alone in my home. That's funny I found out it was more dangerous being there. He got friendlier with every visit with his wife in the next room. Me a 75 year old overweight old lady and I had to tell him to keep his hands off me. LOL

Good idea about the power cord. I'm getting the idea that it isn't a simple thing to fiddle with the log on. I certainly don't want to cause myself any problems.

Other than removing the power cord, is it a true statement to say that if I change it so I need a password to sign on (while the cleaners are here) that it could cause problems when they are gone and don't want to have to use a password?

If that's the case I will do the power cord idea and just have to do without my computer for a whole couple of hours!

Thanks again for your ideas on this.

Ginny

If you put a password on it then you will need to log on with the admin password each time you reboot the pc and want to use that account. I would not be adding and removing the password I would simply remove the power cord.

I think removing the power cord sounds like the easiest so I'll try that next time.

Thanks to all for your suggestions.

Ginny

I don't know why it is so complicated to put a log-on password. I have always done that because I don't want people logging on under my name. I am Administrator but always keep a limited guest account in case someone wants to look up something or whatever.

One does not have to do anything except put in a simple password through the User Accounts. It wouldn't occur to me to have a computer without a password. I have desktops and laptops, all set with a log-on password. You sign in once when you first boot up and that's it. Why does that sound so difficult?

Guess we are all just creatures of habit.

Jane

I agree, removing the power cord is absolutely ridiculous.

I'm a believer in a password even if automated to logon because.. if a remote computer accesses it and tries to do soemthing or with elevated privledges it will ask for the password.. there are some smart kiddies out there with their exploits and virus's.

I have all of mine passworded also, but some people just don't want to deal with it I guess. Now for a laptop that might leave the house no way would I go with out a strong password on it no matter what.

Since I use linux and it is set up that way, so I am just so used to doing it that way.

When you all say you have a password does that mean you have to enter it every time you turn it on. I am wireless here and I am password protected but it is automatic. No one here uses my PC.

we are not talking about router or wireless passwords we are talking about the password you have to use to get into your computer files and OS, the admin password or if using a user account the password for that.
And yes if I reboot or restart I have to enter the password for that account each time. I also am the only one using mine but not all threats are from in home. Having the actual accounts passworded with strong passwords will stop hackers from being able to access your computer, being behind a router with a built in firewall is definitely a big plus for security also.

this MS technet article explains why you need those passwords, yes in this case they are discussing an organization but your home should be handled the same way.
Strong passwords

But with the advice to put a password on your Admin account also comes the warning to make sure you keep that password somewhere safe because you DO NOT want to forget that one!
Admin passwords should never be real words, always a combo of numbers and letters and various case, throw in a couple of #$%* to make it even stronger. Or use a password generator.
Secure Password Generator