Best way to prevent others from using my comp

LPDad said:

Setting a BIOS password will do you no good.
It is very easy to reset a bios password (Unplug the computer, remove the battery, reset your CMOS). That is a hell of a lot easier to bypass than resetting the Windows Password.

If it is your computer, why do you let your brother have an ADMIN account???
just curious.

Unfortunately, he knows how to enter Safe Mode and use the Administrator Account, go to User Accounts and remove my password or create another User account, restart and enter in that account. But he doesn't know how to remove a BIOS password. Sad thing is, I was the one who taught him this method long time ago.

GlobesStudios said:

if your running xp on a mac
why did you post your question here?

Cause I'm running XP on a Mac. XP = Windows. Anyway, it's fine if you can't help but post useless comments such as this.

aem said:

Best way is remove the battery, hide it with the power cord in a place where he don't know. Without power, how can he turn it on?

Too Lazy >_< I already said I would only do this as a last resort.

I can think of more physical means of protection, but your brother wouldnt like them ... Im afraid that other than restricting physical access to your computer, there is little you can do to prevent him from using it... have you considered breaking a few fingers?

pestbest said:

Too Lazy >_< I already said I would only do this as a last resort.

Have you heard of prevention is better than cure?

You are trying to stop someone from using the computer, does this mean stoping them to use the compputer PERIOD or stopping them to take control of the computer?

stormy13 said:

he knows how to enter Safe Mode and use the Administrator Account

Why don't you just put a password on the Safe Mode admin account?

Here is a tutorial how to enable or disable the hidden account.


Built-in Administrator Account - Enable or Disable

Just enable it, and put a strong password in the admin account.

EDIT: I forgot that you have a XP! Here is the trick in XP

I just want to say, I don't have anything to hide in my computer but I just don't want him to use my laptop without my permission since permission is an important manner. In other words, I'm not desperate to hide it.

Tews said:

I can think of more physical means of protection, but your brother wouldnt like them ... Im afraid that other than restricting physical access to your computer, there is little you can do to prevent him from using it... have you considered breaking a few fingers?

Nope =]

antt said:

LPDad said:

Setting a BIOS password will do you no good.
It is very easy to reset a bios password (Unplug the computer, remove the battery, reset your CMOS). That is a hell of a lot easier to bypass than resetting the Windows Password.

Not so easy on a laptop. You need tools to open the bottom of your laptop to remove the CMOS battery, which sounds like a perfect way to discourage unauthorised use. Especially on a macbook, it would be hell to get to the CMOS.

Set the BIOS password and be safe in the knowledge that it is relatively safe from your brother.

Also....
Cause I'm running XP on a Mac. XP = Windows.
This is a Windows 7 forum? There are plenty of XP forums around. We are happy to help, but don't snap back and call it a useless comment when you are the one asking.

Firstly, the battery is easy to remove in a macbook and does not require any tools. Just a coin to turn the lock. Also, I tried setting a BIOS password by following a post someone linked but it didn't work or ask me to type in password at bootup.

Secondly, I'm so sorry none of you have any idea about XP. I mean like, this is a seven forum not an xp forum. I'm so dumb, should have never asked here since none of you can help on a matter relating to XP. Of course, none of you used xp before and Windows XP and Windows Seven are SO DIFFERENT. Please forgive me.

aem said:

pestbest said:

Too Lazy >_< I already said I would only do this as a last resort.

Have you heard of prevention is better than cure?

You are trying to stop someone from using the computer, does this mean stoping them to use the compputer PERIOD or stopping them to take control of the computer?

Stopping them from using computer if they don't ask for my permission.

stormy13 said:

he knows how to enter Safe Mode and use the Administrator Account

Why don't you just put a password on the Safe Mode admin account?

Thank you for this idea.

ratePV said:

stormy13 said:

he knows how to enter Safe Mode and use the Administrator Account

Why don't you just put a password on the Safe Mode admin account?

Here is a tutorial how to enable or disable the hidden account.


Built-in Administrator Account - Enable or Disable

Just enable it, and put a strong password in the admin account.

EDIT: I forgot that you have a XP! Here is the trick in XP

Thank you for telling me how to use this idea. Will try it now >_<

Thread can be closed, Ty to ratepv and stormy 13 for helping me to solve the problem and to all the rest who tried helping in one way or another. I have no idea how I didn't realise about putting a password on administrator account.