Help with access & windows xp security

[Jenjen]

Can anyone help sort two more problems for me.
1. I keep getting a message when I try to use Microsoft Access that tells me I can't use it because there is no license for the programme on the machine.
2. Is it possible to stop anyone else besides myself using my computer? I'm using windows xp. I'm signed in as the administrator but because there is no-one else down as a user, it doesn't require me to put a password in when I turn the computer on. The children have their own machines and I don't want them to use mine but they keep going on it because I'm connected to the internet. Can I stop them being able to get into my computer?
Thanks.
Jenjen. :mad:

[Abremylin]

There are TWO ways to lock your system down. The first is the recommended solution as it will lock the system at the POST screen, give the operator 3 tries and then just sit there if they fail. This is accomplished by enabling the supervisor password in BIOS, aka system setup. Enter this by hitting the F1, Del, F2 or F10 keys during the beginning of the boot process. This option should be available under security settings in the BIOS menus.

The second method is to enable the password in XP. This is a much less desirable considering the only way to reset it is to either create a password reset disk or buy a $400 program that will only allow you to change the password, never recover the old one. To do enable the welcome screen and set the admin password follow these directions:

Rgt-click my computer from either the desktop or start menu. Select manage. Select local users and groups. Select users - find the administrator and rgt-click it. Select set password.

After doing this you should reboot and be greeted by the welcome screen or at least a prompt for the password. Couple suggestions when creating passwords: make them alpha-numeric and longer than 10 characters. Also don't use b-days, ssn's, license plates or anything else that could be "guessed". Don't make it so convoluted that you will never remember it either. Also keep in mind that ALL password fields are CASE SeNsItIvE.

If choose the second option then I would suggest you create a password disk directly afterward. This is accomplished by using this method:

To create a password reset disk
The Forgotten Password Wizard lets you create a password reset disk that you can use to recover your user account and personalized computer settings if you forget your password.

The steps to perform this task differ depending on whether your computer is a member of a network domain or is part of a workgroup (or is a stand-alone computer).

My computer is on a domain

Press CTRL+ALT+DELETE to open the Windows Security dialog box.
Click Change Password.
Click Backup to open the Forgotten Password Wizard.
Click Next and then follow the instructions as they appear on the screen.
My computer is not on a domain

The steps to perform this task differ depending on the type of user account you have.

If you have a computer administrator account

Open User Accounts in Control Panel.
Click your account name.
Under Related Tasks located on the left side of the window, click Prevent a forgotten password.
In the Forgotten Password Wizard, follow the instructions as they appear on the screen.
If you have a limited account

Open User Accounts in Control Panel.
Under Related Tasks located on the left side of the window, click Prevent a forgotten password.
In the Forgotten Password Wizard, follow the instructions as they appear on the screen.
Notes

To open User Accounts, click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click User Accounts.

[Abremylin]

You could also tie up the kids and keep them locked in a closet for a while every time they get on it. Just kidding.

However some creative discipline never HURT any kid.

As some ancient text is often quoted as saying:

"Spare the rod, spoil the child".

[Jenjen]

Originally posted by Abremylin
You could also tie up the kids and keep them locked in a closet for a while every time they get on it. Just kidding.

However some creative discipline never HURT any kid.

As some ancient text is often quoted as saying:

"Spare the rod, spoil the child".
Thanks for your instructions, I'll follow them & hopefully will be able to keep my computer to myself.
I also agree with your opinion on discipline & "Spare the rod & spoil the child" unfortunately they are my partner's children not mine, so I don't have the same authority!
Thanks again.
Jenjen. :D

[Abremylin]

Ooooo.... that is always a nasty situation. I would suggest marriage counseling then because you DO HAVE THE SAME #$%N AUTHORITY!!!

I am a spouse in a defracted family as well. My spouse and I consult eachother on disciplinary procedures in private and then IMPLEMENT. However this is a tech support forum - so I will close with a God Bless you, your family and your.

[Jenjen]

Originally posted by Abremylin
There are TWO ways to lock your system down. The first is the recommended solution as it will lock the system at the POST screen, give the operator 3 tries and then just sit there if they fail. This is accomplished by enabling the supervisor password in BIOS, aka system setup. Enter this by hitting the F1, Del, F2 or F10 keys during the beginning of the boot process. This option should be available under security settings in the BIOS menus.

The second method is to enable the password in XP. This is a much less desirable considering the only way to reset it is to either create a password reset disk or buy a $400 program that will only allow you to change the password, never recover the old one. To do enable the welcome screen and set the admin password follow these directions:

Rgt-click my computer from either the desktop or start menu. Select manage. Select local users and groups. Select users - find the administrator and rgt-click it. Select set password.

After doing this you should reboot and be greeted by the welcome screen or at least a prompt for the password. Couple suggestions when creating passwords: make them alpha-numeric and longer than 10 characters. Also don't use b-days, ssn's, license plates or anything else that could be "guessed". Don't make it so convoluted that you will never remember it either. Also keep in mind that ALL password fields are CASE SeNsItIvE.

If choose the second option then I would suggest you create a password disk directly afterward. This is accomplished by using this method:

To create a password reset disk
The Forgotten Password Wizard lets you create a password reset disk that you can use to recover your user account and personalized computer settings if you forget your password.

The steps to perform this task differ depending on whether your computer is a member of a network domain or is part of a workgroup (or is a stand-alone computer).

My computer is on a domain

Press CTRL+ALT+DELETE to open the Windows Security dialog box.
Click Change Password.
Click Backup to open the Forgotten Password Wizard.
Click Next and then follow the instructions as they appear on the screen.
My computer is not on a domain

The steps to perform this task differ depending on the type of user account you have.

If you have a computer administrator account

Open User Accounts in Control Panel.
Click your account name.
Under Related Tasks located on the left side of the window, click Prevent a forgotten password.
In the Forgotten Password Wizard, follow the instructions as they appear on the screen.
If you have a limited account

Open User Accounts in Control Panel.
Under Related Tasks located on the left side of the window, click Prevent a forgotten password.
In the Forgotten Password Wizard, follow the instructions as they appear on the screen.
Notes

To open User Accounts, click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click User Accounts.

Sorry to bother you again but I did what you said & went into the BIOS to enable the supervisor password. Unfortunately, I can't find security settings in there, all I have is a piece that says 'change password'. As it doesn't mention security settings, I didn't know if this was the bit I had to put a password into & I don't really want to do anything I shouldn't really be doing. So I would appreciate it if you could tell me if it is ok to put a password into this box. When I click onto the words 'change password' it brings up a box to put a password into but there isn't one there to change, which makes me think this may be the right place to make one but I'm not sure so I don't want to mess things up.
Thanks.
Jenjen. :D