Is there a way to make Win98 secure with a bootup password

Is it possible to make Windows98 secure, so that it *requires* a
correct password to boot the system?

If so, is there also a way to "lock" the computer when you're away
from it for a few minutes?

The problem here is a business computer at a home with children in it,
and we need to keep the kids off of it.

If it's not possible, does WinXP have both these features (password
security on boot, and a "lock computer" function)? Really don't want
to go there, since there will be a significant expense of upgrading
software, but would still like to know if it solves the problem.

Or is there a 3rd-person piece of software that can do this on Win98?

Joe

Windows 98 can be made somewhat secure but not totally so. Windows XP can
be, since the password function in it comes from the NT codebase where
passwords and validation are enforced.

One fix for Windows 98 can be found he

http://www.dougknox.com/security/validated.htm

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Win9x]
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* for the benefit of all. Private mail is usually not replied to.
* HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


"Joe62" wrote in message
...
Is it possible to make Windows98 secure, so that it *requires* a
correct password to boot the system?

If so, is there also a way to "lock" the computer when you're away
from it for a few minutes?

The problem here is a business computer at a home with children in it,
and we need to keep the kids off of it.

If it's not possible, does WinXP have both these features (password
security on boot, and a "lock computer" function)? Really don't want
to go there, since there will be a significant expense of upgrading
software, but would still like to know if it solves the problem.

Or is there a 3rd-person piece of software that can do this on Win98?

Joe

"Joe62" wrote in message
...
Is it possible to make Windows98 secure, so that it *requires* a
correct password to boot the system?

Not really. But, most computers have a password feature built into the BIOS,
so the machine won't even get past the boot cycle without a password. Check
your documentation to find out how to get into the BIOS setup screen for
your machine.


If so, is there also a way to "lock" the computer when you're away
from it for a few minutes?

Nope, although for little kids, enabling the password for the screen saver
is often sufficient.


The problem here is a business computer at a home with children in it,
and we need to keep the kids off of it.

If it's not possible, does WinXP have both these features (password
security on boot, and a "lock computer" function)? Really don't want
to go there, since there will be a significant expense of upgrading
software, but would still like to know if it solves the problem.

XP can do everything you're asking about. I understand there are still ways
to get around it, but not within the capabilities of children or the vast
majority of users.

Just left up to "script kiddies" from places like Germany that spread
Blaster through computers and other mean people eg

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
"Joe62" wrote in message
...
Is it possible to make Windows98 secure, so that it *requires* a
correct password to boot the system?

Not really. But, most computers have a password feature built into the
BIOS,
so the machine won't even get past the boot cycle without a password.
Check
your documentation to find out how to get into the BIOS setup screen for
your machine.


If so, is there also a way to "lock" the computer when you're away
from it for a few minutes?

Nope, although for little kids, enabling the password for the screen saver
is often sufficient.


The problem here is a business computer at a home with children in it,
and we need to keep the kids off of it.

If it's not possible, does WinXP have both these features (password
security on boot, and a "lock computer" function)? Really don't want
to go there, since there will be a significant expense of upgrading
software, but would still like to know if it solves the problem.

XP can do everything you're asking about. I understand there are still
ways
to get around it, but not within the capabilities of children or the vast
majority of users.

....and then the 16 year whips off the lid and clears the cmos while mum and
dad are out :-)

regards, Richard


"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
"Joe62" wrote in message
...
Is it possible to make Windows98 secure, so that it *requires* a
correct password to boot the system?

Not really. But, most computers have a password feature built into the
BIOS,
so the machine won't even get past the boot cycle without a password.
Check
your documentation to find out how to get into the BIOS setup screen for
your machine.


If so, is there also a way to "lock" the computer when you're away
from it for a few minutes?

Nope, although for little kids, enabling the password for the screen saver
is often sufficient.


The problem here is a business computer at a home with children in it,
and we need to keep the kids off of it.

If it's not possible, does WinXP have both these features (password
security on boot, and a "lock computer" function)? Really don't want
to go there, since there will be a significant expense of upgrading
software, but would still like to know if it solves the problem.

XP can do everything you're asking about. I understand there are still
ways
to get around it, but not within the capabilities of children or the vast
majority of users.

....and then the 16 year old whips off the lid and clears the cmos while mum
and dad are out :-)

regards, Richard


"RJK" wrote in message news:...
...and then the 16 year whips off the lid and clears the cmos while mum
and
dad are out :-)

regards, Richard


"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
"Joe62" wrote in message
...
Is it possible to make Windows98 secure, so that it *requires* a
correct password to boot the system?

Not really. But, most computers have a password feature built into the
BIOS,
so the machine won't even get past the boot cycle without a password.
Check
your documentation to find out how to get into the BIOS setup screen for
your machine.


If so, is there also a way to "lock" the computer when you're away
from it for a few minutes?

Nope, although for little kids, enabling the password for the screen
saver
is often sufficient.


The problem here is a business computer at a home with children in it,
and we need to keep the kids off of it.

If it's not possible, does WinXP have both these features (password
security on boot, and a "lock computer" function)? Really don't want
to go there, since there will be a significant expense of upgrading
software, but would still like to know if it solves the problem.

XP can do everything you're asking about. I understand there are still
ways
to get around it, but not within the capabilities of children or the
vast
majority of users.

Yes, but he didn't mention the age of the kids. If a 5 year old whips off
the lid, I'd worry first about electrocution.

"RJK" wrote in message
...
...and then the 16 year whips off the lid and clears the cmos while mum
and
dad are out :-)

regards, Richard


"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
"Joe62" wrote in message
...
Is it possible to make Windows98 secure, so that it *requires* a
correct password to boot the system?

Not really. But, most computers have a password feature built into the
BIOS,
so the machine won't even get past the boot cycle without a password.
Check
your documentation to find out how to get into the BIOS setup screen for
your machine.


If so, is there also a way to "lock" the computer when you're away
from it for a few minutes?

Nope, although for little kids, enabling the password for the screen
saver
is often sufficient.


The problem here is a business computer at a home with children in it,
and we need to keep the kids off of it.

If it's not possible, does WinXP have both these features (password
security on boot, and a "lock computer" function)? Really don't want
to go there, since there will be a significant expense of upgrading
software, but would still like to know if it solves the problem.

XP can do everything you're asking about. I understand there are still
ways
to get around it, but not within the capabilities of children or the
vast
majority of users.

Yes then the 16 year old will have to explain to mom & dad
why the password disappeared while they were out :-)


-----Original Message-----
....and then the 16 year old whips off the lid and clears
the cmos while mum
and dad are out :-)

regards, Richard


"RJK" wrote in message news:...
...and then the 16 year whips off the lid and clears
the cmos while mum
and
dad are out :-)

regards, Richard


"Doug Kanter" wrote in
message
...
"Joe62" wrote in message
...
Is it possible to make Windows98 secure, so that it
*requires* a
correct password to boot the system?

Not really. But, most computers have a password
feature built into the
BIOS,
so the machine won't even get past the boot cycle
without a password.
Check
your documentation to find out how to get into the
BIOS setup screen for
your machine.


If so, is there also a way to "lock" the computer
when you're away
from it for a few minutes?

Nope, although for little kids, enabling the password
for the screen
saver
is often sufficient.


The problem here is a business computer at a home
with children in it,
and we need to keep the kids off of it.

If it's not possible, does WinXP have both these
features (password
security on boot, and a "lock computer" function)?
Really don't want
to go there, since there will be a significant
expense of upgrading
software, but would still like to know if it solves
the problem.

XP can do everything you're asking about. I
understand there are still
ways
to get around it, but not within the capabilities of
children or the
vast
majority of users.






.

Check the MB book or apps. See if there is a Keyboard Lock
connection. If so? Get the key lock switch installed and
use it. It will not prevent the machine from being booted
but will prevent the use of the keyboard. If you are
worried about someone getting into the inside of the PC?
Get button head star screws to hold the cover on. And hide
the bit needed to unscrew them.
-----Original Message-----
Is it possible to make Windows98 secure, so that it
*requires* a
correct password to boot the system?

If so, is there also a way to "lock" the computer when
you're away
from it for a few minutes?

The problem here is a business computer at a home with
children in it,
and we need to keep the kids off of it.

If it's not possible, does WinXP have both these features
(password
security on boot, and a "lock computer" function)? Really
don't want
to go there, since there will be a significant expense of
upgrading
software, but would still like to know if it solves the
problem.

Or is there a 3rd-person piece of software that can do
this on Win98?

Joe
.