Password

[santa1988]

Could someone tell me how to apply a password to my computer, running 2000 professional.

[Buenchico]

I run Millenium but pre-XP versions of Windows had most features in common, so this ought to make sense:

Start > Settings > Control Panel > Passwords > Change Windows Password > Leave 'Old Password' blank. Enter required password in 'New' & 'Confirm' fields > OK > OK.

Chris

[peanut]

Try booting into the setup menu. This is usually done by repeatedly pressing F2 while your computer is booting and before windows starts. This is the bios and you should only change/setup the password and then get back out of there unless you know exactly what you are doing. When you have made your changes you need to save the change and then exit bios. You may see an option to save changes, if you see it, do it. If not, press esc and it will probably ask if you want to save changes.

[Buenchico]

Just a quick note to explain the difference between Peanut's approach and my answer:

The method I described assigns a password to Windows. For 'day to day' security, this is usually adequate. i.e. it will prevent someone who shares your home or office from accessing your files. However, the password can be bypassed by someone with the time, knowledge and software to re-install Windows (using an 'on top' installation which preserves your original files).

Peanut's solution assigns a password to the PC itself. It's more secure but probably unnecessary for 'day to day' use of the PC. (It can still be over-ridden but only by clearing the BIOS which requires slightly more knowledge than simply reinstalling Windows).

Chris