how to prevent use of computer by others

edythe

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Hello - Windows 8 /Google Chrome
When i turn on computer my 'desk top' first shows. I then have to click on a Browser of choice to get onto the internet.
So how do i keep anyone who boots up my computer from even getting to see my 'desk-top' let alone get to my browser. ? Hope this isn't a confusing question :geek:
Also: how does ''setting a password'' differ from 'locking' the computer ... during a relocation move when a professional mover is packing & taking the PC is a 'password' as 'secure' compared to 'locking' the computer? ( i know that is another procedure that had my head spinning when i looked at the mechanics involved - as you can tell i'm not a 'comfortable' computer user- LOL) \\
PS: ONCE i set up the password so Windows won't load, how do i ''cancel' the password requirement once i'm in new home ? - i prefer under normal circumstances 'not' to use a password. No one else uses my PC - it's in my home
Many thanks in advance - edythe
 
Last edited:

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Set up a log-in password, so anyone who turns your PC on would need to enter the correct password before he would be able to see anything
 

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thanks -what's the procedure ? and how does setting a password differ from 'locking' the computer ... during a relocation move when a professional mover is packing & taking the PC is a 'password' as 'secure' compared to 'locking' the computer? ( i know that is another procedure that had my head spinning when i looked at the mechanics involved - as you can tell i'm not a 'comfortable' computer user- LOL) thanks again
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 (plain '8')
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    Browser
    CHROME & /OR AOL
    Antivirus
    McAfee ISS
    Other Info
    SuperAntiSpyWare/MalewareBytes
Using a password for logging into Windows should work to prevent others from using Windows. You should also disable other accounts such as Guest. There is a hidden Administrator account and it can have a password assigned .

If you want to prevent anyone even getting to that login page put a password in the BIOS that requires entering it to let the computer continue booting up.

Always, never forget a password or lose it.
 

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Using a password for logging into Windows should work to prevent others from using Windows. You should also disable other accounts such as Guest. There are no Guest privileges on my computer -i'm only user/adminsitrator'' There is a hidden Administrator account and it can have a password assigned . oh boy - i'm too 'tentative' a user to try anything other than setting up the windows password - LOL... i don't even know what you're talking about

If you want to prevent anyone even getting to that login page put a password in the BIOS that requires entering it to let the computer continue booting up. ok now i'm really hanging from the ceiling - ''enter the BIOS'' ? this idea frightens me more than a root-canal! But i really appreciate your trying to help ... i'll do the Windows Password
Always, never forget a password or lose it.
I do have a good one - lol - Really appreciate you help. ;)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 (plain '8')
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    PC/Desktop
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    Lenovo
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    CHROME & /OR AOL
    Antivirus
    McAfee ISS
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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 (plain '8')
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    Browser
    CHROME & /OR AOL
    Antivirus
    McAfee ISS
    Other Info
    SuperAntiSpyWare/MalewareBytes
So you were able to set a password for your account then? If so good, if not let us know.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel Quad Core i7-4770 @ 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    16.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Integrated HD Graphics
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    Realtek HD Audio
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    HP h2207
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050@59Hz
    Hard Drives
    250GB Samsung EVO SATA-3 SSD;
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    Wired USB
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    SeaMonkey
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    Windows Defender; MBAM Pro
    Other Info
    UEFI/GPT
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So you were able to set a password for your account then? If so good, if not let us know.
---------------------------
not yet .... i don't want to do it until the movers arrive - lol - i don't want to do anything that could lock me out of the PC.... i'll set the password once it's ready to go in the moving- box and worry about it at the other end... yes i'm probably being foolish and worrying too much but i just can't chance being unable to gain access right now... thanks for your offer of help. much appreciated.
PS: ONCE i set up the password so Windows won't load, how do i ''cancel' the password requirement once i'm in new home ? - i prefer under normal circumstances 'not' to use a password. No one else uses my PC - it's in my home
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 (plain '8')
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    Browser
    CHROME & /OR AOL
    Antivirus
    McAfee ISS
    Other Info
    SuperAntiSpyWare/MalewareBytes
Unless you are moving somewhere to which you have to fly, not drive, my advice is NOT to let the movers handle your PC. Instead, you should move it yourself. The safest way to ensure that some one can not access your PC is to deny them physical access to it. IF the PC is in your possession at all times, then you don't have to worry about anyone else gaining access.
 

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Unless you are moving somewhere to which you have to fly, not drive, my advice is NOT to let the movers handle your PC. Instead, you should move it yourself. The safest way to ensure that some one can not access your PC is to deny them physical access to it. IF the PC is in your possession at all times, then you don't have to worry about anyone else gaining access.
---------------------
If i were able to move it myself then i wouldn't have had to post my question but my taking it is out of the question. I do no banking/etc. paying bills with it... but thank for replying.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 (plain '8')
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    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    Browser
    CHROME & /OR AOL
    Antivirus
    McAfee ISS
    Other Info
    SuperAntiSpyWare/MalewareBytes
If it is a desktop you could take the hard drive(s) out and ship the rest. A hard drive won't take up much room at all, cushion it with your socks. Google images of hard drives to see what it looks like.
 

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Unless you're using Bugs Moran St. Valentine Moving & Storage, I doubt the movers will bother your computer. Once you have a bios password, and a setup change password - you should be ok. I may be using the wrong word "bios," I mean the password that has to be entered before anything can happen with the computer. The setup password concerns only entering bios itself.
 

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If it is a desktop you could take the hard drive(s) out and ship the rest. A hard drive won't take up much room at all, cushion it with your socks. Google images of hard drives to see what it looks like.
------------------------
Naw - would never attempt that - LOL
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 (plain '8')
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    Browser
    CHROME & /OR AOL
    Antivirus
    McAfee ISS
    Other Info
    SuperAntiSpyWare/MalewareBytes
Unless you're using Bugs Moran St. Valentine Moving & Storage, I doubt the movers will bother your computer. I'm sure you're right but that was a funny-thought! Once you have a bios password, and a setup change password - you should be ok. I may be using the wrong word "bios," I mean the password that has to be entered before anything can happen with the computer. The setup password concerns only entering bios itself.
ok i 'think' i understand what you're saying: here's what i will do if it meets my 'temporary-move' concerns (no one else uses computer-have no 'guests' listed):
''Win 8 ''change PC settings/''users''/sign-in options/''create a password'' .....fill- in password and once that's done even if computer is booted=up the ability to even see the 'desktop' will not appear until the password is entered ...do i have that right? To remove the password when i want to, all i have to do is above - (Users/sign-n options/ and remove password ? I hope i have it right ! thanks so much !
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 (plain '8')
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    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    Browser
    CHROME & /OR AOL
    Antivirus
    McAfee ISS
    Other Info
    SuperAntiSpyWare/MalewareBytes
No disrespect or embarrassment intended - but how can you be a Power User with such a high "reputation" when you don't seem to understand the most basic elements of the computer? What kind of advice are you providing to earn all those "reputations"?
-----------------------------------------
that's ok to offence taken ..... trust me, it wasn't 'my' doing - LOL - i never voted myself 'power user' -when i first noticed it, it thought it was referring to the number of 'posts' one places on Board - LOL
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 (plain '8')
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    Browser
    CHROME & /OR AOL
    Antivirus
    McAfee ISS
    Other Info
    SuperAntiSpyWare/MalewareBytes
No disrespect or embarrassment intended - but how can you be a Power User with such a high "reputation" when you don't seem to understand the most basic elements of the computer? What kind of advice are you providing to earn all those "reputations"?
-----------------------------------------
that's ok to offence taken ..... trust me, it wasn't 'my' doing - LOL - i never voted myself 'power user' -when i first noticed it, it thought it was referring to the number of 'posts' one places on Board - LOL

Sorry. I had no business commenting. My comment had no relevance to the topic. Sometimes I post faster than my brain can consider the implication. I deleted my comment/question.
 

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Bios pw + HD pw, the solution I use (excellent, as long as one does not forget the password!). The HD content would not be accessible even if taken out of the pc. If the motherboard\bios should fail, HD can be unlocked by connecting it to similar laptop\pc.

HD encryption is also a possibility. Whatever the situation (wrong password, virus, theft, hardware failure, user error > format :0) etc), do regular imaging\bu'ing and store in a safe place.
 

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No disrespect or embarrassment intended - but how can you be a Power User with such a high "reputation" when you don't seem to understand the most basic elements of the computer? What kind of advice are you providing to earn all those "reputations"?
-----------------------------------------
that's ok to offence taken ..... trust me, it wasn't 'my' doing - LOL - i never voted myself 'power user' -when i first noticed it, it thought it was referring to the number of 'posts' one places on Board - LOL

Sorry. I had no business commenting. My comment had no relevance to the topic. Sometimes I post faster than my brain can consider the implication. I deleted my comment/question.
-----------------------
i meant to say ''NO'' offence taken (LOL) ..anyway you didn't do anything wrong - you were just asking a question and you 'were' very polite about it ...and you made a good point i.e. if i 'were' a 'power user' i would know what to do !! i totally agree with you. I just know enough about computers to know what i don't know !! i find the more one learns the more there is waiting around the corner to fry your brain ! I get cross-eyed thinking about it ! ;)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 (plain '8')
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    Browser
    CHROME & /OR AOL
    Antivirus
    McAfee ISS
    Other Info
    SuperAntiSpyWare/MalewareBytes
CountryBumpkin, you do have a point! Personally, I'm a power user in regards to some, but not many, things. I'm an absolute duffer user on some things. It depends upon what each of us has experienced and/or researched over the years -- concerning computers.
 

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System One

  • OS
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    Motherboard
    Desktop w/Gigabyte
    Memory
    Two w/16GB, 1 w/8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Laptops GameWorthy; Desktop maybe GameWorthy
    Monitor(s) Displays
    flatscreens; 2 are BluRay worthy
    Screen Resolution
    1368x768; 1600x900
    Hard Drives
    1TB internals; 2 ext usb WD 1TB HDs
    PSU
    what's PSU?
    Cooling
    Regular plus external fans
    Keyboard
    desktio w/PS2
    Mouse
    desktop w/PS2
    Internet Speed
    DSL middle level [160?]
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    well-balanced, well-configured mult-layered defense is best
    Other Info
    From MS-DOS 3.3, MS-DOS 6.22, from Windows 3.1 to WFW 3.11 to Windows 95-98SE, now to Windows 7 Pro.
    Security for now: Windows 7 Firewall, Emsisoft AM, MSE [scan-only], SpywareBlaster, Ruiware/BillP combine
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