Passwords and accts

[Guest]

I have windows XP. My partner will often use my computer at night and then
erase all my passwords and sometimes settings as well.
I am not all that savvy but I changed the password so he could not get on
and somehow figured out how to get around it.
Is there a way to set up his own sub-acct on my computer so he won't mess
with my settings and preferences?
Or better yet how can I lock him out of my computer - it is my work-related
computer so I can lock him out if there is a way.
help!

 

[Gordon]

I have windows XP. My partner will often use my computer at night and
then erase all my passwords and sometimes settings as well.
I am not all that savvy but I changed the password so he could not
get on and somehow figured out how to get around it.
Is there a way to set up his own sub-acct on my computer so he won't
mess with my settings and preferences?
Or better yet how can I lock him out of my computer - it is my
work-related computer so I can lock him out if there is a way.
help!

Log on as the Administrator and set a STRONG password on that account - and
don't tell him what it is. Then change his account to a limited user so that
he has no rights to change passwords.

 

[Malke]

I have windows XP. My partner will often use my computer at night and
then erase all my passwords and sometimes settings as well.
I am not all that savvy but I changed the password so he could not get
on and somehow figured out how to get around it.
Is there a way to set up his own sub-acct on my computer so he won't
mess with my settings and preferences?
Or better yet how can I lock him out of my computer - it is my
work-related computer so I can lock him out if there is a way.
help!

Any computer running any operating system can be accessed by someone
with 1) physical access; 2) time; 3) skill; 4) tools. There are a few
things you can do to make it a bit harder though:

1. Set a password in the BIOS that must be entered before booting the
operating system. Also set the Supervisor password in the BIOS so BIOS
Setup can't be entered without it.

2. From the BIOS, change the boot order to hard drive first.

3. Set strong passwords on all accounts, including the built-in
Administrator account.

4. If you leave your own account logged in, use Windows Key + L to lock
the computer (and/or set the screensaver/power saving) when you step
away and require a password to resume.

5. Make a Limited account for your user.

Please understand that these are technical responses to what is
basically not a technical problem; i.e., you have an interpersonal
problem that can really only be solved by non-technical means.

Malke