Category: Geeks r Us
Hi all. I have two questions. How do you lock your computer? I have a password but the last time tech support was over here he asked for my password and now I think the next time he is over here he can get in to my account. Secondly how do you password an external drive. I have a thumb drive with some very personal things on uit that I don't want some nut accessing. So if anybody can give me some heolp that wouuld be appricated. Thanks.
You can modify the password on your account I guess, you could also possibly buy a finger print scanner, I think they cost around 40 dollars, or did when I checked a year ago.
That being said I don't know why some techn support guy would be interested logging into your account, unless you are in the maphia or have info about million dollar bank accounts in there I really wouldn't be so worried about it.
As for external drives, just keep your thumb drive safe in a locked drawer or on your person. If your drive is u3 compliant (or has the u3 platform) there should be software on it that allows you to password protect it. Such a drive costs from $20 to $50 depending on what size drive you want. I have one but never bothered to password protect it as, so far, I just don't have anything on it worth protecting.
best of luck
-B
Hi,
There are several ways to lock your Windows XP computer, but all of them use the same command line. The method you choose is a matter of personal preference.
1. via the keyboard
The easiest way to lock Windows XP is by simply pressing the Windows logo key and the letter L (for Lock) on a Microsoft Natural Keyboard or any other
compatible keyboard that includes the Window key. Doing so will pop up the Unlock Computer Password box.
2. via a Shortcut.
If you don't have a keyboard with a Window key or simply don't like the keyboard method, then here's how you can make a desktop shortcut to lock your computer.
Press f5 and right click, choose New/Shortcut and enter this line as the command line:
rundll32.exe user32.dll, LockWorkStation
Click Next. Name the shortcut whatever you prefer and click Finish. That's it.
3. via the command line
The above command line can also be used at a DOS prompt to lock your computer. One simple way you can do it would be by clicking Start/Run, typing CMD
and then entering the command and pressing Enter.
4. via a bat file
This is similar to a Windows shortcut method. But it's a DOS version. If you've never created a bat (batch) file, but would like to try this method, simply
open a new text file (such as with Notepad) and type the following commands:
@echo off
rundll32.exe user32.dll, LockWorkStation
cls
Save the file with a .bat extension, such as Lock.bat, and you're done. Hit enter to make the file run.
5. password
It should go without saying that if you don't use a password to log on to your computer, then anyone can access your computer and unlock it. If you want
to use the lock feature, then set a password by going to User Accounts in the Control Panel and then click Create Password.
---------------
Protecting folders on external and removable drives
If you have several computers and your removable drive travels between them, install Password Protect USB right on your removable drive.
You will be able to protect/unprotect folders on multiple computers your drive is connected to. However, you will need to
get just a single license
as you install the program on a single external drive, not all these computers.
Do folders retain protection when the external drive is disconnected?
Yes, they do. To open the folder, you need to connect your drive to a PC, run Password Protect USB from the installation directory on your external drive,
select the folder and enter the password.
What drives are supported?
Password Protect USB is fully compatible with all types of external and removable drives (including USB drives):
1. USB flash drives, USB pen drives
2. Removable drives (ZIP-drives)
3. USB External hard drives
4. USB External removable drives
To download this software:
Click here to download Password Protect USB.
HTH!