Every now and then, in TES games you encounter a locked door, or sometimes, even a locked chest (which may or may not contain nice goodies, of course). What is your favorite way of dealing with them?

Here are a few of the options that have appeared throughout the series:
* Use your natural skill (Security skill in later games) to open the lock.
* Cast an Open spell to open the lock.
* Bash on the door/chest until it decides to open (works in Arena/Daggerfall if you're strong enough).
* Use a spell or magic item to increase your stats or skill, then try unlocking it when your skill has been boosted (i. e. in Morrowind/Oblivion, casting a Fortify Security spell before trying to open the lock, or using a Fortify Luck potion).
* Find a way around the lock (i.e. Arena's Passwall spell or glitching past/around the lock).

Which method do you prefer? Or do you like to do something I didn't even think of?

In my current Oblivion playthrough, I just made a Fortify Security 100 points spell to deal with locks; doesn't require as much skill as an Open spell would for harder locks. In Arena, I like to use Open spells, especially since a sufficiently powerful spell (100% isn't enough) can work on the game's equivalent of "Needs a Key" locks.

In Morrowind, the first chance i get, I make two rings with Galbedir's soulgems, one with open 50 and one with open 100. Works for the whole game.

I usually just auto-attempted or used Alteration magic on locks in Oblivion because I found them to be a bit of a hassle.

I've only played Oblivion - currently in my first game - but since I'm playing a thief, I've focused on Security and Sneak - I move the little lock-pick and click at the right time. I actually find it quite fun. (I can see it being frustrating when Security skill is too low though).
I do sometimes just click 'auto-attempt' a few times.

Thieves Guild lock-pick suppliers FTW

I like the Oblivion lock-pick minigame - Sort-of. It's a challenge, and an immersive one.

But it's not easy.

Skyrim's is too simple. All it is, is "Guess my number" in visual form. It even tells you roughly how close you are to the number.

Given that it takes about 6-7 tries on average to guess a number out of 100 exactly, and Skyrim also simplifies it by allowing you to be "close enough"...

It's kinda boring.

Edit: Oh, in Daggerfall, I just bash the door down, unless I'm playing a thief or assassin.

... there is the Skeleton Key ...

Two drawbacks:
1. Getting the Skeleton Key requires completing a quest, so you don't have it right away. Also, note that Arena doesn't let you get another artifact if you already have one, and I much prefer Oghma Infinium and Ebony Blade, or the Warlock's Ring if I ever play a non-caster that can't use a shield.
2. In Arena and Daggerfall, the key (at least according to the dialogue) can only be used once a day, which makes it rather impractical. In fact, in Arena at least, I like to use a custom high magnitude Open spell to open locked doors that would be "Needs a Key" difficulty in Oblivion, and I suspect the Skeleton Key might not be as powerful; as a Nightblade or Sorcerer, all I need is a bunch of Restore Power potions and I have been able to open every lock I came across while playing (including, for example, the ones in the Labyrinthian, allowing me to skip most of the dungeon).

There is a third one in Morrowind, if I remember correctly: You can use it only 50 times.

I myself prefer the way of least effort, be it a spell, bashing, or the skeleton key (the quest is not so difficult to complete) - and sometimes even the Oblivion mini game when I'm in the mood.

As an aside: The most interesting lock opening mini game I've come across is that of Dungeon Lords.

I like the Lockpick mini game in Oblivion, it's the only mini game that requires any skill, especially at lower levels.
Although I do usually do the Nocturnal quest pretty early.