Computer Guide Center

How can I make my computer inaccessible while I am vacationing?

I do not want anyone on my computer while I am away and so I was wondering if there is a way to prevent my room mate from accessing my computer while I'm not there. I put a password on the accounts on the computer but I feel he might try something drastic, like rebooting the computer. Help? Thanks.

Public Comments

1. Turn on the BIOS password, meant whenever PC starts up, it needs a password even before Windows starts
2. TAKE IT TO SOMEONES HOUSE. MAYBE UR PARENTS, OR LOCK IT UP SOMEWHERE IN UR ROOM. OR...TAKE IT WITH YOU IF POSSIBLE.
3. take a wire out that u need to work it. take it on vacation with u
4. Pack the power cord.
5. Take the power cord with you, and if it's a laptop then take the battery also
6. Ha ha ha "rebooting the computer" is drastic to you? Do you mean "reformatting" the computer? As long as he has access to it, little you can do to have someone not reformat it. If you put passwords on all the accounts including the administrator account (which I know you didn't because you don't sound like you know how), then he won't be able to login. To put a password on the administrator account, login to windows in safe mode by hitting the F8 key after you do a "drastic" reboot. Then go to the control panel and user accounts. Set a password on the administrator account.
7. lots of ways with passwords and programs Or switch the computer off and remove the hard drive, then put it somewhere very safe. be sure you know how to put it back, labels and a photo would help if you are not sure
8. You can throw it out a window, take it with you ask them not to use it put an out of order sign on it. Take the power cord with you. And why are you rooming with some one you do not trust that much, must be a boyfriend or borther. I seriously suggest that you take the power cord and the mouse with you. and maybe the keyboard, hide it.
9. Your problem is much bigger than leaving the computer alone while you're vacationing. You're leaving it alone while you sleep, while you shop, and while you work or go to school. This is a trust issue. You could take the power cord with you.... but what a pain that would be every time you leave the computer. The best option is Safeboot. It's a full disk encryption software that challenges you with a password the moment you turn on the computer. It front ends your entire bootup sequence. Corporations use this software to secure laptops in case of theft. And, because it also uses the password for encryption, even if you pull the harddrive out it's useless. Which makes it much better than changing the Bios password.
10. you say unaccessible not unusable - than try with thiss small program to prevent your files, folders or drives - Lock Folder XP 3
11. You could make those passwords something completly random that is 20 characters long and write it down so you don't forget. But if he knows enough then he can get around a password anyway. One time I took out my harddrive out and hid it, that will definitly keep him out.
12. Use your firewall to block all internet access with a password.
13. Set up a little drama, by seeming disturbed that a virus has attacked, and your going to take it to ... Look up an in store computer repair shop, for the service work. No big deal, cause you'll be back before it will be ready. Remember, lying is a poor excuse for truth. Turn off and pack up the modem and peripherals too, for your system. Now, once the boxes are out of the house, you can rent a public storage unit with security. Pay 55$ or so for a small unit. Only you have the key. Have a good trip.