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?
Let the computer turn off this device to save power.