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How do I unlock a computer?

On computers that are used by more than one person, you may find that someone has forgotten to log off and the workstation is locked.

Purpose

A computer I need to use is locked by somebody else. How do I unlock it?

Prerequisites

Explain what is needed to follow the how-to. Try to be specific about versions you are referring to.

Step by step

There are a three ways of dealing with this situation.:

  1. Best is to track down the user who didn't log off and have them unlock the computer and log off appropriately.
  2. Contact IT Services and see if it is possible to log the culprit off remotely.
  3. Lastly, you can power off the workstation by pressing the power button and holding it down until the machine powers off. 

Further information

*WARNING* If IT Services has to log someone off remotely or if you have to power off the workstation, whomever is logged on will lose any work that is open and not saved.