PASSWORDS

[Guest]

Hello,
Is there any way I can put a password on my computer when it boots up, as
opposed to logging on. I am fed up with my daughter loggin on and going on
MSN!

 

[Nepatsfan]

In

Hello,
Is there any way I can put a password on my computer when it
boots up, as
opposed to logging on. I am fed up with my daughter loggin on
and going on
MSN!

Consult the documentation that came with your computer and look
for instructions on how to set up a BIOS password. Check on the
computer manufacturer's web site if you don't have a manual for
the system. If you still can't find this information, post a
response to this message which includes the make and model
number of your computer.

Good luck

Nepatsfan

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Set a BIOS password.
Check your manual and/or contact the computer manufacturer for
details.

A better solution is not to give her your password.
If she already has it, change it and any other password she may have.

Also be sure the Administrator password is set to something unknown to
her.

 

[Malke]

Hello,
Is there any way I can put a password on my computer when it boots up, as
opposed to logging on. I am fed up with my daughter loggin on and going on
MSN!

The others told you to set a BIOS password which is good advice. Here's
a bit more detail:

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 the Windows Key + L to
lock the computer (and/or set the screensaver/power saving) when you
step away from the computer and require a password to resume.

5. Make other users Limited accounts in XP Home, regular user accounts
in XP Pro.

6. Set user permissions/restrictions:

a. If you have XP Pro, you can set user permissions/restrictions with
Group Policy (Start>Run>gpedit.msc [enter]) but be careful. Using the
Policy Editor can be tricksy. Questions about Group Policy should be
posted in its newsgroup: microsoft.public.windows.group_policy.

b. If you have XP Home, you can use MVP Doug Knox's Security Console or
the MS Steady State.

http://www.dougknox.com
Steady State -
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/sharedaccess/default.mspx

Please understand that these are technical responses to what is
basically a non-technical problem and there are ways around all of these
precautions. This is a family/interpersonal issue that can't be solved
by technical means.


Malke

 

[Tim Slattery]

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

If your daughter doesn't have her own account on the machine, create
one for her. Assign passwords for *all* accounts, and change yours, if
she knows it.