Need More than a Password!

Debbie1955 · July 5th, 2005, 03:48 PM

Hi. Can anyone tell me how I can prevent someone who knows how to bypass my windows login password from using my computer? I password protected it to keep my step-son from using it. He has his own computer and if he needs to use a different computer, he is supposed to use his Dad's. Mine is more convenient and he knows his way around a computer. I would like to prevent him from using my computer without having to first asking my permission. btw, he is 23 years old, not a teenager. As always, I appreciate all the wisdom shared in this forum.

**GroundZero3** · July 5th, 2005, 03:54 PM

what os?

TheCrazGod · July 5th, 2005, 03:59 PM

lock the door to the room with the computer in it. Realistically, you probably won't have much luck keeping someone out who really wants in if they know how to get around things. Your best bet would probably be to put a keylogger or something of that nature so that you would know when he has been on and then confront him about it. but thats just my opinion.

**GroundZero3** · July 5th, 2005, 04:04 PM

well with the software out there today locking it down isnt so hard and works pretty well

(password protect the bios, Set a boot up bios password, set it to boot to HD only, password all accounts on the machine) Makes for a pretty secure machine in the sense that you will know if he resets the bios when it doesnt prompt you for a bios password to boot the machine

Another solution is to get a removable hard drive tray.

imparanoid · July 5th, 2005, 04:16 PM

i have three ideas:
1.Beat him with a wet noodle everytime you catch him on ur comp!:P
2. set up an obstacle course in the room the pc is in (ala james bond)
3.buy a fingerprint reader thingy that only lets you on with a fingerprint scan.

TheCrazGod · July 5th, 2005, 04:36 PM

LMAO....thats a trip. Yeah, the bios pass is a good idea although just as effective as not having to learn how to reset a bios password if its ever forgotton or changed. I recommend a sys monitor or a keylogger. But, I think paranoids solutions may take the cake.

Debbie1955 · July 5th, 2005, 05:45 PM

Thanks, all. You have given me some good ideas. I can assure you that I have tried the do-it-again-and-you-die approach - it doesn't work. I am the evil step-mother, so nothing I say matters. btw, my OS is XP Pro. Thanks again!

Redwolf · July 5th, 2005, 06:08 PM

If you want to go really far out, you can try things like encrytped hard disks and USB flash drive 'keys' that lock down the comp when pulled out (known as physical authentication). The latter is your best bet. A program called Proteg 3.1 allows you to do this, although I don't have a clue how well it works. There are more software packages out there like that, but I can't seem to find any right now.