At work, I have a Windows XP computer (running SP2). When I use the keyboard shortcut CTRL+ALT+DEL, Task Manager does not open. Instead the login box appears. On my home PC, which is also XP with SP2, when I use CTRL+ALT+DEL, Task Manager opens.
I can't figure out how to have Task Manager open using the shortcut key. Is there a setting in XP to enable this?
This can be confusing to many XP users and there is a simple explanation to why it occurs.
First, as long as you have verified your PC is not infected with a virus or spyware, the most likely cause is with a setting that controls the Windows XP Welcome screen.
The Welcome Screen is the simple login screen that shows your user icon during login. You just click your username and enter your password to login.
When XP is set to use the Welcome screen and you press CTRL+ALT+DEL, Task Manager will open.
If the setting is disabled (not checked) and you press CTRL+ALT+DEL, Task Manager does not open. Instead you will see the Windows Classic login prompt (more secure method for logging on). This setting is used mostly by companies where your work PC is joined to a Windows domain.
To change the setting so CTRL+ALT+DEL keyboard shortcut opens Task Manager, click on Start \ Settings \Control Panel, then once Control Panel opens, click on User Accounts icon.
Under Pick a task… section, click the Change the way users log on or off link.
Then click the check box next to Use the Welcome screen, followed by clicking the Apply Options button to enable the setting.
Now when you press CTRL+ALT+DEL, Task Manager will open.
Note, that your Company may not allow you to change this option and prefer that the secure login screen is used instead. For a home PC, this method is more convenient to use when opening Task Manger.
If you cannot use the Welcome screen, and still want to open Task Manager using your keyboard, just press CTRL+SHIFT+ESC. This will also work on Vista Computers.
Comments on Why CTRL+ALT+DEL Does Not Open Task Manager In Windows XP
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Richard @ 9:30 pm
when using the delete key on my keyboard the task manager shows up why is this?
@Richard
Have you run a scan to check for any for viruses or spyware?
shahul hameed @ 6:16 am
i have enabled task manager in group polocy as well as registry but still i was not able to open task manager.
It opens and disapears immediately. I have antivirus in my system but stil i was not able to perform this.
Also cmd prompt is also doing the same.
when i create a newfolder, iside the folder onemore folder is created on the same of the folder i created.
please someone help me on this. i have this prob for more than 3 months.
haya @ 6:43 am
i want to ask, why i could'nt power on my computer?plez tell me how to solve this type of problem…
Hari @ 1:13 pm
Your Issue is purely because of Spyware. This spyware disables the taskmanager and CMD prompt and regedit. The best solution is to uninstall the existing Antivirus and install any other new version Antivirus and antiSpyware.
Manual Removal of this Virus/Spyware.
If you have another system with Linux loaded in it you can perorm the following trick.
You open any new Folder on your syetm and name it as AbC_ABc ( there is no logic behind this name 🙂 ) and then save it. Now disconnect the HDD from your system and connect it to the LInux Computer as a secondary HDD and go to your AbC_ABc folder and you will find the Virus/spyware file and related Script file. Now you have make note of the script file ( assue it is a kljioklajc.script file)
now you have to manually look all the folders and System32 folder and find the script file there and delete it.
***makee sure you do not delete any .sys files or else u may make ur system un-bootable.
*** There will be lot of script files available make sure u delete only the one which you have observed in AbC_ABc folder.
mike @ 4:03 pm
Does nothing for my comp
Praveen @ 4:27 am
Task Manager has been disbaled by your administrator. Please hele me.
foo! @ 3:19 pm
Wow, this worked for me! thanks so much!
jannik @ 3:59 am
does anyone know if there is a way to go straight to task manager with ctrl-alt-del, but without having to use the silly welcome screen?
Naveen [KNVN] @ 3:54 am
After formatting my PC, when I press Ctl+Alt+Del nothing happens. I can’t run the 'Task Manager' even in other way also pls help me………….
Carol @ 8:37 am
There are more than just the 2 choices this article claims you have… when hitting ctrl alt del.
I get (and ALWAYS got) the 6-button "windows security" screen.
Naveen [KNVN] @ 9:33 am
@Naveen [KNVN]: My problem is solved.
Actually my antivirus(Kaspersky-2010) had blocked it.
neilx7 @ 7:20 am
spot on 10/10
Handman @ 2:27 pm
@neilx7:
It works great, I feel so relieve. Now I can rest my hands.
Jefferson @ 7:38 pm
hey guys if u have problems,
cannot open ctl + alt + del
just quick scan only with avira
quick scan remember not full scan
after scanning try ctrl + alt + del it's working
ENJOY!!! =))
Zee A @ 1:07 am
It worked great. Thanks a lot. It saved me a lot of rework
Ed Ziarko @ 8:30 am
In the last line you say "just press CTRL=SHIFT+ESC". How can I press "CTRL" "=" "SHIFT" + "ESC" at the same time? Do you mean CTRL+SHIFT+ESC?
@Ed Ziarko
That's correct it should be CTRL+SHIFT+ESC. I have edited the article to correct the typo.
karmacoma @ 4:07 am
My laptop was working fine. I went to ctrl alt dlt bc mozilla froze up on me, but nothing comes up but an hourglass. I ran my avg, no threats or infections detected. Then the pclocks up. I tried ctrl alt esc, that did nothing. I booted up in safe mode and ran avg that way,came up with nothing. Pc locks up again and I have to removed the battery and pop it back in bc holding the power button does not work. HELP. I have a job interview monday, and need the resume I JUST finished tonight. Pleaaase help me! Is there anything I can do in safe mode, so far its the only way the pc doesn't freeze. Please email me..I'm desperate!!! [email protected]
Jan @ 8:45 pm
@Mike Boyds:
It didn't work for me either.