![]() |
|
07 Feb 2010 | #1 |
|
Need lock-down guide - sending laptop to repair
Hi Folks
I need a guide on how to lock-down the guest account so that the repair shop doesn't have access to most of it's contents. System setup:
I want also to restrict as much as possible the content listing of the two system partitions, that is if it's possible to restrict listing what's installed on it, restrict access to certain programs,and so on- Questions:
Hope for a quick answer /DM EDIT: Can I use a disk imaging software like Norton Ghost or Acronis TrueImage to create working images for Vista from Win7 and vice versa in case of an "expert" reformatting the drives? |
My System Specs![]() |
. |
|
07 Feb 2010 | #2 |
|
Encrypt partition with sensitive data, NTFS permissions won't stop them.
|
My System Specs![]() |
07 Feb 2010 | #3 |
|
What problems are you having necessitating its repair?
|
My System Specs![]() |
. |
|
07 Feb 2010 | #4 |
|
If you do not trust the repair shop the best advice I can give is to find another repair shop.
If the laptop is going into the shop for a hardware repair that does not require the hard disk you could always simply remove the drive completely. If this is a software issue or hardware that will require access to the system drives then you cannot really expect the technicians to work without full access to the drive, the only thing you can do is totally remove any sensitive data. |
My System Specs![]() |
07 Feb 2010 | #5 |
|
Hi there
can you boot this machine from a DVD, If you can then use a stand alone Backup - you can download a trial of acronis or other software - to backup to external drive and then WIPE the laptops HDD. You can use GPARTED or similar to force a wipe of the HDD. Now you can restore the "initial configuration" if the laptop came with pre-installed stuff - if not just send the laptop for repair with an empty disc. Technicians will have bootable OS'es etc for repairing the computer -- when you get it back make sure they haven't charged you for "re-installing an OS". If the system isn't bootable then remove the HDD and insert another one if you can --laptop HDD's are generally easy to remove and swap. Enc pic of typical SATA laptop HDD. Cheers jimbo |
My System Specs![]() |
07 Feb 2010 | #6 |
|
Just a warranty keyboard repair (it's a laptop).
If you do not trust the repair shop the best advice I can give is to find another repair shop.
If the laptop is going into the shop for a hardware repair that does not require the hard disk you could always simply remove the drive completely. If this is a software issue or hardware that will require access to the system drives then you cannot really expect the technicians to work without full access to the drive, the only thing you can do is totally remove any sensitive data. My main reason for this is really the big trouble to reinstall all software according to my needs. At the same time I don't want them fiddling around in my personal data, not that it is sensitive, but I do have some personal stuff. Also I don't want them to get their hands on my media files, MP3's etc. I don't believe that a shop has a standard procedure of reformatting drives, but I've known of repair guys that have the FFR procedure as standard, even if it is swapping a CD-drive or replacing a keyboard.... Attached: pics of my two HDD's... ![]() |
My System Specs![]() |
07 Feb 2010 | #7 |
Linux (Mint is primary) / XP, Win7 Home / Win7 Pro, Ultimate / Win8.1 / Win10 archived VM
|
Just a warranty keyboard repair (it's a laptop).
It's a warranty repair, thus I'm stuck with this repair shop. HP tech said that I could not remove the drives, and that I should back up the data, bedause he could not guarantee that the shop doesn't format the drives. Then delete all the stuff you want (don't want on the drive) and if necessary run a "zero wipe" program to overwrite all free space. I bring all of this up because there is a HIGH PROBABILITY the HP repair WILL do you a "favor" and return the lappy to it's original As-shipped conditions. That means your partitions will be wiped/loaded to as-shipped as well as all the HP bloatware installed, etc. When it returns (hopefully repaired) you can restore everything the way it was. Speaking From Experience, GEWB |
My System Specs![]() |
08 Feb 2010 | #8 |
|
OK, this seals the deal...it's an HP repair. THEREFORE, I strongly recommend you create a full image of all partitions. DON'T FOREGET to include the MBR (some backup programs don't do the MBR unless specified as a switch). Then delete all the stuff you want (don't want on the drive) and if necessary run a "zero wipe" program to overwrite all free space. I bring all of this up because there is a HIGH PROBABILITY the HP repair WILL do you a "favor" and return the lappy to it's original As-shipped conditions. That means your partitions will be wiped/loaded to as-shipped as well as all the HP bloatware installed, etc. When it returns (hopefully repaired) you can restore everything the way it was. Speaking From Experience, GEWB Seems that your advice (and of the others here) is the one I should follow. I don't care about wiping etc. as the main reason is the huge work in restoring the computer as I want it. I hope the consumer laws here in Scandinavia are strong enough to make them think twice before doing such a thing. It IS illegal to breach security measures, to destroy data unless approved by the EU, etc. Doesn't help when facts are there, so hopefully by sending in a note that they aren't allowed to do things like that without contacting me can scare them enough... A huge THANK YOU to all who have responded! ![]() ![]() ![]() |
My System Specs![]() |
![]() |
Thread Tools | |
Similar help and support threads | ||||
Thread | Forum | |||
Sending a hard drive for repair My laptop hard drive has failed and I need to send it for repair/troubleshooting. However, my hard drive contains "private" photos and videos thus I'm afraid that the repairman may come across these files and may do something bad with them. My question is will it be secure to send the hard... |
Hardware & Devices | |||
Best Backup Strategy...before sending laptop for repair? Dear All, This is a question with aspects that pertain to multiple areas. But as the idea is to place queries in the best possible thread categories, I'll try to tie it all into the subject of backup and restore. Here we go! ;) 1. I own an HP Pavillion dv4. as with my two previous HP/Compaq... |
Backup and Restore | |||
BSOD after sending for repair Hi, Due to repetitive startup problem, i'd send the comp for repair and they change the motherboard for me but BSOD occurred when surfing net, use microsoft office and playing game (warcraft). I resend again and they say it may due to OS which they advise to reformat. After reformatting, BSOD... |
BSOD Help and Support | |||
computer keeps rebooting, sending to startup repair endless times.. I have a computer given to me by a friend. It has windows 7 installed on it, with 1Ghz, 512 Ram, 120 GB Hard drive( not tech savvy).. anyways, I left it running at night, and when I got up in the morning, it was doing " startup repair". Now, it keeps on going to startup repair after being turned... |
General Discussion | |||
Delete everything on HD before sending in for repair? Hey there. My hard drive has failed me for the second time. First with a currupt partition and now with a corrupt MBR. Since I recently bought it, It is still in the manufacturer's warranty. Before I send it to them, should I run a command prompt (through Windows 7 disc) and do a clean all? I'm... |
Hardware & Devices |
Our Sites |
Site Links |
About Us |
Find Us |
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized,
sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation.
"Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
© Designer Media Ltd All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:04. |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |