Block access to pc

[vinny388]

Not sure if it can be done but basically I have just oprdered a new laptop and I would like a way to lock access to the system until some kind of password is entered.

I used to know somebody that had to insert a flash drive into the usb port before access was granted, am I right on this if so how is it done?

:confused:

[_Aerospace_Eng_]

What operating system will be on the laptop? If its windows xp you can setup a password by going to the control panel then going to user accounts. Click on the account you want to set a password to and create a password. I also advise setting a bios password which will prevent anyone from booting up into a cd unless they have the password.

[vinny388]

Yeah, sorry, it will be on XP.

Just like the idea of having like a flash drive that needs to be inserted for the system to run.

[_Aerospace_Eng_]

Why the need for the flash drive? If you would have known ahead of time you could have gotten built in biometrics meaning you would need to use your own fingerprint to logon. They do make biometric devices for computers that you can buy at your local electronics store. They can get pretty expensive though. I think a password on the machine and a bios password will be all you need. Its a little harder to get passed a bios password. The person would literally have to take the laptop apart and then after doing that they would need to know what to look for.

[oracleguy]

Yeah, use a BIOS password, then they will have to enter the password when the machine powers on before the computer tries to boot the OS.

[skinner927]

actually, bios passwords usualy dont let you edit the bios without knowing it, its not required for your computer to turn on. A bios password is great but only if you set it up correctly. Make sure you turn off booting from CD and Floppy or else your bios password is useless.

The number one problem with Laptops (and all computers with windows) is the hidden Admin password.
I can get into 99% of all computers because they don't have an admin password, even if you have a finger print scanner, i can still get in no problem.

To change your Admin password, hold F8 once you start up your laptop and boot into safe-mode. Once in safe mode you'll have options of what users to log into with. Pick ADMINISTRATOR once loged in, create a password, then restart your computer. And of course put a password on your main account.

The USB drive that your friend uses is usualy hard-wired into the laptop. I know they sell these for Desktops but you can't get one for a laptop as it doesn't really have any room to add anything in there. You can get software based programs but thoes can always be bypassed with safe-mode's command prompt so its somewhat useless. Just go for the passwords and make sure noone steals your laptop.

[marek_mar]

And you think that BIOS doesn't have a "backdoor" (http://www.google.com/search?q=bios+backdoor+password)?

[oracleguy]

actually, bios passwords usualy dont let you edit the bios without knowing it, its not required for your computer to turn on. A bios password is great but only if you set it up correctly. Make sure you turn off booting from CD and Floppy or else your bios password is useless.

I don't know for sure about laptops in that regard but I know on desktops that isn't true. Yes, you can set a password for going into the BIOS but also one at power on too before the system tries to boot off anything.

[_Aerospace_Eng_]

I don't know for sure about laptops in that regard but I know on desktops that isn't true. Yes, you can set a password for going into the BIOS but also one at power on too before the system tries to boot off anything.

Thats how mine works. I have a boot password. The windows password alone is unsecure as I have found some linux software that can rewrite the windows password if the system allows it to boot into a CD.

[oracleguy]

Thats how mine works. I have a boot password. The windows password alone is unsecure as I have found some linux software that can rewrite the windows password if the system allows it to boot into a CD.

Yeah, I've used such software in the past when the admin password for a workstation or server has been forgotten.

[Aradon]

If you're looking for something while you're on, there is a product out there that you plug into your usb and you have the other end on your keychain, so when you walk away it locks the computer.

It was on woot once, I forget the name.

[skinner927]

And you think that BIOS doesn't have a "backdoor" (http://www.google.com/search?q=bios+backdoor+password)?



No, I know BIOS has a back door, I never said it was impossible to get in with a bios password. But how many people have memorized thoes passwords or keep a list in their pocket. one could argue that its on their USB key but they can't exactly use that unless they are on a pc and unless they brought one with them they're SOL. Once you get the bios password cracked you can then proceed to boot into some type of pocket CD linux distro and reset the passwords. your computer is not toaly safe, a BIOS password either slows someone down or stops someone who only has a way of reseting your Windows password or hoping you have no password or no admin password. But if you're laptop is stolen its virtually impossible to keep data safe. As far as I know, there is not way to keep it impossibly safe, after time all passwords can be cracked or guessed they're just a way to slow an attacker down.