How to Password-Protect Your Computer

Security-conscious - or just want to ensure your files are private? You can prevent others from using your unattended computer by creating a password to use Windows or quite your screen saver.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

General Tips for the First-time User

1. Type in a name and password the first time Windows boots.

2. Shut down your computer when it's unattended.

3. Re-enter your name and password each time you log on.

Existing Windows 98 Users

4. In Windows 98, click Start.

5. Click Settings.

6. Click Control Panel.

7. Double-click on Passwords.

8. Click Change Windows Password.

9. Follow further instructions on screen.

Password-protect Screen Saver

10. Right-click on desktop.

11. Click Properties.

12. Click Screen Saver.

13. Click Password-protected.

14. Click Change.

15. Enter password.

16. Click OK.

17. Click Apply.

18. Click OK.

19. Enter password when prompted to return from the screen saver to your Windows desktop.

on 9/27/2006 The password is stored as a BIOS setting, and these BIOS settings can easily be reset to factory defaults. All one needs to do is opening the computer case (with the screwdriver) and adjusting a certain jumper on the motherboard or shorting or removing the CMOS memory battery. The password will be erased and the computer will boot without asking for it.

on 11/22/2005 Put a password in the system information to prevent others from turning on your computer without your knowledge.
1. Restart you computer.
2. Hold down the Del (Delete) key.
3. In the system information, go to the change password section. (Navigate through the system info using the arrows keys).
4. Write the password, exit the section, go to exit system info, and a dialog box appears asking you if you want to save the changes. Press the y key and enter.
5. All done!