GetndCarVC

If security is of top importance for you, then you probably don't use the hibernate feature of Windows XP. With hibernate, the computer saves all of your desktop activities onto your hard drive and subsequently shuts down the computer. Under normal circumstances, once the computer is restarted, Windows XP will return to the state prior to entering hibernation without prompting for windows XP. Additionally, there are no simple ways of enabling a password.

To fix this problem, you will need to enter the Registry (How to enter the Registry) and follow the instructions below: [ IMPORTANT: ALWAYS BACKUP YOUR REGISTRY BEFORE MAKING CHANGES! ]

1) Goto [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System\Power]. If it does not exist, create this path.
2) Under the 'Power' folder, create a DWORD called "PromptPasswordOnResume"
3) Set the 'Value data' to '1' to enable a password and '0' is disable the password.
4) Close the Registry Editor.

The next time you enter windows from hibernation or standby, Windows XP will prompt you to enter your password.