How to Keep People From Using a Computer in Windows XP

Place a password on your accounts to protect others from using your computer.

Preventing others from using your computer is an important measure to protect the sensitive files on your computer. If you are using Windows XP, you can add a password to your main account and prevent anyone from accessing your computer. If you have multiple accounts on your computer, place a password on each account. Only those who know the password to an account on your computer is allowed access to your computer.

Instructions

1. Click the "Start" button and click "Control Panel."

2. Double-click "User Accounts" and click "Change an Account."

3. Click the account in which you want to add a password.

4. Click "Create a Password" and type your password in the corresponding field. Verify your new password and create a password hint. Click "Create Password."

Tips & Warnings

• Each time you walk away from your computer, log out. To log back into the computer, you must enter a valid password.

References

• Microsoft: Windows XP: Create and Customize User Accounts