Password protect?

Discussion in 'Software' started by dyamond, Nov 9, 2007.

  1. dyamond

    dyamond Imelda Marcos of Majorgeeks

    Hey guys, I have a problem. The guys I work with are usually here before I come to work and here after I leave (sometimes) and they usually use mine and my co-workers computer for who knows what.

    For the past two weeks or so, when I come in my computer has error messages on it and the whole system has been acting strangely. I've been randomly getting kicked out of QBs, have had problems opening folders because I dont have access to the network when I had just opened them one minute ago, I also just found out the same thing has been happening to my co-workers computer as well.

    I know there is a way you can make is so you have to put in a password when it comes off the screensaver but how? Is there another solution? I just dont want them to have access to our pc's anymore because they havent the faintest ideas about anything computer related and I'd really hate to come in to a broken one rolleyes

    Thanks.
     
  2. BigRedViffer

    BigRedViffer Private E-2

    Hi, if the computer needs to stay on then to simply password protect after the screensaver is quite simple. Go to control panel, click display, then the screensaver tab, next to the list of available screensavers is the check button you require. I'm new to all this but I think that will sort it out.

    Regards Marsh
     
  3. theefool

    theefool Geekified

    If XP, just hit the windows key + L, this will plainly lock the system. The screen saver should kick in later.
     
  4. dyamond

    dyamond Imelda Marcos of Majorgeeks

    and to unlock it? stupid question I know :eek:

    Thanks
     
  5. plodr

    plodr Major Geek Super Extraordinaire

    How about a hardware solution? Tell the boss what you are doing and why.
    Put this http://www.cyberguys.com/templates/SearchDetail.asp?productID=6590
    in the USB port and walk away. After 5 seconds, they won't be able to do a thing on your computer. If they take the transmitter, you will have a back door via a password to get back on your computer.
     
  6. dyamond

    dyamond Imelda Marcos of Majorgeeks

    Ok, I need something more then just a screensaver password. I just came in this morning to another error because then I realized they all they have to do is restart the computer rolleyes

    Any other suggestions? Thanks.
     
  7. LauraR

    LauraR MajorGeeks Super-Duper Administrator Staff Member

    Hey dy

    It's XP...right?

    If you go into your control panel and click on user accounts...click on change an account...and then create a password.

    When you walk away from your desk...click on start and log off. Anyone who wants to use it will have to log back on with a password.

    eta...this is all assuming you only have one user account on the puter. If there are more, delete the other accounts if you can (not the admin one since that won't come up when logging on).
     
  8. dyamond

    dyamond Imelda Marcos of Majorgeeks

    Yes, its XP.

    This will work if I shut off the computer then turn it back on too?

    Thanks Laura.
     
  9. Mada_Milty

    Mada_Milty MajorGeek

    The method Laura has described would require a password to log into your account on that machine, and yes, it should work for every restart of the machine.

    However, this should be the same password that you're using after the screensaver, so she makes a valid point:

    Are there other user accounts they could log into? Particularly administrative accounts they could use to log into, and change OTHER users passwords?
     
  10. dyamond

    dyamond Imelda Marcos of Majorgeeks

    Im the only user on this machine. This option sounds good, Thanks :)
     
  11. Adrynalyne

    Adrynalyne Guest

    Make sure the default Admin account has a password too. By default OEM XP leaves that one wide open.
     
  12. dyamond

    dyamond Imelda Marcos of Majorgeeks

    Ok now you just confused meLOL would the one im on be the default?
     
  13. dlb

    dlb MajorGeek

    Have you looked at some software solutions that will lock specified programs or files or folders with passwords? There's lots of paid products that do this, and a few free ones....
    WinGuard (free) http://www.majorgeeks.com/WinGuard_Pro_d1707.html
    Security Toolkit (free) http://www.majorgeeks.com/Security_Toolkit_d4849.html
    ProgramLock Pro ($29.95) http://www.majorgeeks.com/Program_Lock_Pro_d1642.html
    Program Protector ($19.95) http://www.majorgeeks.com/Program_Protector_d3963.html
    And that's just the tip of the iceberg... like I said, there's TONS of others....
     
  14. dyamond

    dyamond Imelda Marcos of Majorgeeks

    Thanks for everyones suggestions but the best thing I think to do it create a password to log into windows. (which I have)

    If someone could shed light on the admin/default thing.... I'd appreciate it. :)
     
  15. Mada_Milty

    Mada_Milty MajorGeek

    What the name of your user account, dy? If it's not 'Administrator', you likely have a default admin account. You'll need to BE an administrator on this computer to reset the 'Administrator' password.

    Try this:

    1. Hit Windows key + r (or click Start --> Run)
    2. In the 'Run' dialog, type 'control userpasswords2' (without the quotes)
    3. Press enter (or click the 'OK' button)
    4. In the 'User Accounts' dialog, highlight the 'Administrator' account
    5. Press the 'Reset Password' button

    Windows will now give you a dialog where you can change the password for the default Administrator account.
     

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