How to Password-Protect Your Computer

By eHow Computers Editor

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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.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

General Tips for the First-time User

Step1
Type in a name and password the first time Windows boots.
Step2
Shut down your computer when it's unattended.
Step3
Re-enter your name and password each time you log on.

Existing Windows 98 Users

Step1
In Windows 98, click Start.
Step2
Click Settings.
Step3
Click Control Panel.
Step4
Double-click on Passwords.
Step5
Click Change Windows Password.
Step6
Follow further instructions on screen.

Password-protect Screen Saver

Step1
Right-click on desktop.
Step2
Click Properties.
Step3
Click Screen Saver.
Step4
Click Password-protected.
Step5
Click Change.
Step6
Enter password.
Step7
Click OK.
Step8
Click Apply.
Step9
Click OK.
Step10
Enter password when prompted to return from the screen saver to your Windows desktop.

Comments

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Anonymous

Anonymous said

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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.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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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!

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eHow Article:  How to Password-Protect Your Computer

eHow Computers Editor

eHow Computers Editor

Category: Computers

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