Dealing with absent minded clients.

[HAVOC]

I had some one just call me up to "fix" their computer. They forgot the password, again. I would make them a password reset disk but they'll just lose it. I think I need to keep all the info for computers that I work on stored at my house in my NAS.

 

[Ranger4]

Short of tattooing the password on their arm, storing them at your house is probably the next best thing.

 

[Barman58]

One thing to be aware of if you keep other peoples confidential data at your premises, is the slight possibility that you could be held responsible for any security breaches with the data at the customers premises. As I've already said I make two copies of a document containing all the security information, passwords, and how to use them, I give one to the client with the hardware and seal another in an envelope marked "Open for emergency access only" which is also handed over at the same time. If I held a copy of this data I would have to store it in a secure location and have policies, and records in place for the Data Protection Legislation.

This is of course for a professional working here in the UK YMMV

 

[HAVOC]

Lets say I keep the info for one computer in a file, name that file something particular so that I would remember what computer it's for without revealing any user information. Would that work? The file would probably have drivers for the system, the main password (if there is one) and other useful data (date/cost of build, etc.).

If someone were to gain access to the file, they would see files and maybe a password but not know what computer it is for.

 

[MrWhoopee]

If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times. "Passwords are the bane of my existence." Of course, I say it while I am going thru the reset/recovery process and getting paid by the hour to do it. I have often wished that there was no way for Windows to remember passwords, forcing the user to do so.

I don't keep copies of their passwords (though I may incidentally remember a few of the regulars), I write them down and hand them to the client. The organized ones keep them, the others pay me again. It is frustrating to have to do the same thing repetitively, but passwords, like Windows updates, generate income.

 

[samuria]

I setup another account that I know the password for its often to have a second account if the profile gets corrupt

 

[MeOnMine]

Your password is YTDTHAP.
Your Too Dumb To Have A Password.

Set up a password that you hold a question that will remind them of the password.

 

[HAVOC]

I printed out the tutorial: Password Reset
hopefully it will reset the password and I can either change it and keep a record of the new one or don't use one in the first place.

The reason for a password was so that his kids couldn't download/install anything.

 

[Layback Bear]

A small suggestion.
When you return the computer have the customer sign a piece of paper that states that they have received all passwords, some basic instruction and guide lines, ECT.

It's not a computer repair persons job to be a babysitter.
I would want my customers to come back because they like my work not because they can't do their part of being a computer owner.
This should help keep the lawyers out of your hair and wallet.

Just my thoughts.

Jack

 

[RolandJS]

Havoc -- I'm sure you do this already: anything for clients can be stored in a locked safe or at least a locked cabinet or locked drawers. For any business or industrial material, a locked safe would probably be best.

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

Havoc -- I'm sure you do this already: anything for clients can be stored in a locked safe or at least a locked cabinet or locked drawers. For any business or industrial material, a locked safe would probably be best.

In addition, I would also encrypt the files or the container the files are kept in. I would also have the customer sign a waiver saying that they gave you permission to keep a copy of their personal data and that you are not responsible should that data become lost or stolen. Then, you would be liable only in a case of gross negligence, which is highly unlikely if you physically and digitally lock down the data. However, I would consult a lawyer just to make sure you cover all bases.

 

[HAVOC]

I don't have many "clients" at all, mostly friends and family that I help when they need it. I'd like to get more clients and start charging real money.

Looks like it's a can of worms.
I may be better off just making a password reset disk and give the user that.
I know the person with the password issue has an external HDD. I can save a system image to that should I need to. He is the type of person that would get hit with a crypto-locker. He did get a fake pop-up, called the number, and had the "tech" connect to his computer. He hung up when they asked for money. I went over and did a clean reinstall.

 

[RoWin7]

Your password is YTDTHAP.
Your Too Dumb To Have A Password.

Set up a password that you hold a question that will remind them of the password.

Not a good idea, because a PW should never be a real word.

I don't see why these people can't write it down and keep it in some obscure place in their house. Do they really think a burglar would ransack the entire house looking for a computer PW?

 

[HAVOC]

Not a good idea, because a PW should never be a real word.

I don't see why these people can't write it down and keep it in some obscure place in their house. Do they really think a burglar would ransack the entire house looking for a computer PW?

He had it written down the last time I went over there because he forgot it. It was taped to the side of a filing cabinet. It somehow went missing because we couldn't find it.

 

[margrave]

I like this:

It's not a computer repair persons job to be a babysitter.
I would want my customers to come back because they like my work not because they can't do their part of being a computer owner.

So ... wipe his drive, reinstall Windows, and tell him that all his files are gone. Tough luck.

He'll never again forget his password!

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

I like this:

It's not a computer repair persons job to be a babysitter.
I would want my customers to come back because they like my work not because they can't do their part of being a computer owner.

So ... wipe his drive, reinstall Windows, and tell him that all his files are gone. Tough luck.

He'll never again forget his password!

Seriously?

 

[BrightBlessings]

I like this:

It's not a computer repair persons job to be a babysitter.
I would want my customers to come back because they like my work not because they can't do their part of being a computer owner.

So ... wipe his drive, reinstall Windows, and tell him that all his files are gone. Tough luck.

He'll never again forget his password!

Not a good way to run a business and stay busy.

 

[Layback Bear]

You need new business cards.

"Computer Repair and Babysitter"

Jack

 

[Barman58]

Not a good way to run a business and stay busy.

It works for Geek Squad

 

[z3r010]

TBH that is the way I stopped people coming to me when their computer was broke