[RESOLVED] windows passwords

[chris isert]

i have a couple of friends who are always trying to find ways to mess with my computer. i have the regular password that you have to type in when windows starts but they say they no a way to find out the password from the files on the hard drive. i thought about making a profile with restricted access to the hard drive but they say there is a way to figure out the password in DOS without even booting into win 98. they also say they can get my AOL password by copying a file off my hard drive and doing something with AOL 3.0. if possible i would like to try to avoid installing a lot of fancy security software. is there some way i can keep my friends out of my stuff using just windows? it would make them really mad and keep them from installing all their dumb games on my computer.

any help appreciated

CI

[techs]

go into the bios and set a password there. then put a lock on the case so they can't open it and clear the password. then put the computer in a locked room. then install an alarm on the room. Or else install win2k.

Hey, just having some fun. the bios password will stop 98 percent of people. to stop almost all the rest, open the case, find the clear paswword jumper(if it is a different color, replace with one that is the same as the others) then if there is anything like clr pwd written next to it, use a marker to cover it. hide the mobo manual too.

[This message has been edited by techs (edited October 12, 2000).]

[WildTech]

The next time they mess with it dude. Beat them about the head and shoulders with a dead trout!!!

Its a really crappy thing to mess with someone elses puter if you've been told or ask not too.

I had a client with a similar problem with his roommate. I told him to shut down the machine and take the power cord with him when he left. It worked!!

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WildTech
MasterMind Computers ... Bring your PC to the Master!!

[pga]

Originally posted by chris isert:
i have the regular password that you have to type in when windows starts but they say they no a way to find out the password from the files on the hard drive.

That password is intended for either logging onto a network or to keep you personal desktop/start menu profile if the system has multiple users.

Unless you have a nic card or want to keep different profiles on your computer, there is no need for the windows log on password. It offers no security... all anyone has to do is click on "cancel" instead of using a password.

Do the BIOS password thing as recommended above.

[shawnMt]

Also set a screensaver password. That way when they turn the machine off to get past this, they get hit with the bios p/w.

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Paint your old laptop!

[DR]

You could also use a hidden power switch. On my auto I have a switch hidden that shuts off the fuel pump. Even if someone breaks in they won't be able to steal it.
I would think you could use the "turbo" switch since most don't use that to disconnect the power to the HDD. If that does't power up it won't boot or be accessable. It would be easy to hit both ON and turbo at the same time so they don't catch on.
I have never done it so you would have to improvise on your own.
How about a relay so that when they turn it on it sends a jolt to the chair? Or sprays them with pepper spray? Put some of that "stop chewing fingernails" stuff on the keyboard and wait till they pick their nose or rub their eyes.
Or get new "freinds".

[stupot71]

get a flopy drive lock and lock in a non bootable floppy

[shawnMt]

Originally posted by stupot71:
get a flopy drive lock and lock in a non bootable floppy

No, all they'd have to do is change boot sequence to c:,a:

But doing this with the suggestions above could help

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Paint your old laptop!

[pga]

attach some c-4 to the power switch and.....

[goinpostal]

defocate in the case the smell should keep them away. It might lessen your computing experience though. I have always wanted to figure out how to hook a stun gun to the keyboard....ZAP CRACKLE POP!!!!!!

Excuse my crudeness having a weird morning.

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