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When my Windows 7 desktop locks its screen due to inactivity, I am unable to connect to it remotely. After I discovered this, I tried pinging the machine, which failed.

However, as soon as I walk over to the computer and unlock the screen, I am able to both ping it and remote in again.

Why does the computer appear dead to the network as soon as the screen locks?

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  • Test this: If you locked it manually would the same thing occur? add info :What is the type of connection?
    – Psycogeek
    Mar 6, 2012 at 15:58
  • Is the system asleep?
    – Zoredache
    Mar 6, 2012 at 16:20
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    Windows is turning off your network adapter when it locks. Go into your network adapter configuration and uncheck Let the computer turn off this device to save power.
    – resmon6
    Mar 6, 2012 at 16:24
  • @resmon6 I'd post that as an answer. Sounds fairly likely.
    – Iszi
    Mar 6, 2012 at 16:40

2 Answers 2

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Windows is turning off your network adapter when it locks. Go into your network adapter configuration and uncheck Let the computer turn off this device to save power.

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  • Can't test this right now, although I have changed the setting, but marked it down as the answer because I feel it's extremely likely. I know it is unrelated to the Firewall as we have a few PCs in the office that aren't having this problem.
    – Amicable
    Mar 7, 2012 at 9:54
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    Confirmed as answer! Mucho gracias!
    – Amicable
    Mar 7, 2012 at 16:47
  • I'm happy to help
    – resmon6
    Mar 7, 2012 at 16:52
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This is Not Normal Windows/system behaviour.

I strongly feel its your firewall, that is "blocking incoming packets" the moment your system is "Locked"

To test on this, disable your firewall for a short while.. Lock your desktop and see if you are able to remote connect/ping

If you are able to, then there's probably some setting within your firewall software that you need to look for that is blocking incoming connections/packets when your desktop is locked..

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