The .lck file is only there when you open a file in VW. It's to tell other users on a network who has it open and that it can't be opened by them. It's deleted when you close the file, but on a crash it remains, you can delete it.
Those are document specific settings, a new document will always have the default settings. Make any changes you want to a new document and save it as stationary to the Templates folder. Then when you use the New document menu command you can choose that file and your settings will be retained.
I just did a search of the forum on "Arroway" and found this thread.
http://techboard.vectorworks.net/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=176895&Searchpage=1&Main=35873&Words=arroway&Search=true#Post176895
Please list your system specs, OS, graphics card, processor, etc. Put this in a signature along with your version of VW to help us troubleshoot. Click on the My Stuff link, Edit Profile to create a signature.
I updated my signature, I've been out of the loop for a little while.
I'm not sure it makes a difference, but I prefer to go to NVidia's web site and download then install the latest drivers.
In the past if I'm still having problems I use this:
http://www.drivercleaner.net/
Sounds like they may have stepped up security. The solution would be to have your unnamed freelancer buy a legitimate copy and not use bootleg software.