Expert: Emmett Smith - 10/6/2007

Question
I have Windows XP Professional.  All of a sudden a dialog box comes up and says my computer is locked, and I would like to unlock it.  It's a nuisance; I just hit okay and it disappears, but it comes almost every time I switch to another file or program.  Would appreciate it if you can help me unlock my computer.  Thanks!

Answer
I run XP Professional too and have never seen this message.

Not being able to see your screen and not knowing if your system is actually locked, my first guess is that it's a virus. Sometimes these screens come up as a result of other websites downloading junk to your system. It's a spoof in that they make it look like XP is actually creating the message.

There are some free virus and spyware software packages on this page that may help you get rid of it if that's what it is.

http://ewebsmith.com/nl052707.html

You can also download SpyBot for free here.

http://spybot.com/

I hope this helps,

Emmett
http://ewebproducts.com