password on starting XP

[Guest]

We have two computers at home, one has important information stored and I do
not want anyone to view them. How do you set up a password that when the pc
is booted it will ask for a passowrd? I have windows xp. I do not want to
leave the pc on while I am out of town, but I do not want anyone to be able
to boot up and start windows. Thanks,

 

[Nepatsfan]

We have two computers at home, one has important information
stored and I do not want anyone to view them. How do you
set up a password that when the pc is booted it will ask for
a passowrd? I have windows xp. I do not want to leave the
pc on while I am out of town, but I do not want anyone to be
able to boot up and start windows. Thanks,

First off, having physical access to any computer pretty much
defeats any passwords you may be able to put on the system.
Given the right tools and less than ten minutes, someone with
even a modicum of technical ability can access all your files.
With those facts in mind, here are your options:

If you want to have your system password protected before it
boots, you'll need to add a BIOS password. Look in the manual
that came with your computer for instructions on how to enter
the Setup program. It usually involves hitting a key, such as
F2 or Del, when the computer first starts up. Once you've
entered the systems setup program, there should be a section
where you can assign a password to the system. Be careful, if
you forget the password you will have to open the computer and
move a jumper on the motherboard in order to delete the
password.

If you simply want to prevent anyone from starting Windows,
you'd need to put complex passwords on all user accounts
including the built-in Adminstrator. Complex means a
combination of numbers, letters (upper and lower case) and
symbols.

Good luck

Nepatsfan

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

First off, having physical access to any computer pretty much
defeats any passwords you may be able to put on the system.
Given the right tools and less than ten minutes, someone with
even a modicum of technical ability can access all your files.
With those facts in mind, here are your options:

If you want to have your system password protected before it
boots, you'll need to add a BIOS password. Look in the manual
that came with your computer for instructions on how to enter
the Setup program. It usually involves hitting a key, such as
F2 or Del, when the computer first starts up. Once you've
entered the systems setup program, there should be a section
where you can assign a password to the system. Be careful, if
you forget the password you will have to open the computer and
move a jumper on the motherboard in order to delete the
password.

Or remove the battery for a few minutes.

It's important for Pam to realize, though, that not only can she get around
the password by changing a jumper setting or removing the battery, but so
can anyone else. That's why I always say that a BIOS password is a useful
tool to keep out small children and the casual curious passer-by, but it's
really useless against a determined invader. It's much too easy to get
around.

 

[Plato]

We have two computers at home, one has important information stored and I do
not want anyone to view them. How do you set up a password that when the pc
is booted it will ask for a passowrd? I have windows xp. I do not want to

Look in your cmos seteup aka bios setup for a setting to do a system
password.