0

I have a password for my Windows OS, so if my computer is stolen (hopefully) the thief will not be able to start up the operating system. But one can easily remove the hard drive and access the files as external drive.

How can I prevent this?

Koray Tugay
  • 1,980

3 Answers3

1

Hard Drive Encryption

Without rehashing this too much you have two potentially free choices with any modern Windows OS.

Bitlocker

Look through the Bitlocker Technet information and verify you meet the requirements:

Windows 7 Ultimate, Windows 7 Enterprise, or Windows Server 2008 R2 noteNote BitLocker is an optional feature of Windows Server 2008 R2. Use Server Manager to install BitLocker on a computer running Windows Server 2008 R2.

Trucrypt

A popular free alternative

Key features include:

  • Creates a virtual encrypted disk within a file and mounts it as a real disk.
  • Encrypts an entire partition or storage device such as USB flash drive or hard drive.
  • Encrypts a partition or drive where Windows is installed (pre-boot authentication).
Austin T French
  • 10,696
0

Without knowing which version of Windows you're on, there are a number of options to secure your laptop. As @Kwaio mentions, an OS password is a deterrent only and if some one wants in, it's pretty easy to do so;

http://ophcrack.sourceforge.net/

If you're on Vista, Window 7 or Windows 8 Pro / Enterprise you can use Bitlocker to encrypt your whole drive;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BitLocker_Drive_Encryption

This is far better way of protecting data on your hard drive as it will prevent all but the most determined attacker.

It's not quite so easy in XP to do full disk encryption, there are a ton of 3rd party apps and a useful technet article here;

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb457065.aspx

sgtbeano
  • 571
0

Pre windows 8, all windows passwords are very easy to get past to the point where I say they are almost not worth having except to prevent other people in the household getting access. Windows 8/8.1 machines can be set up with either Local accounts or Microsoft accounts. Local account passwords are still easy to "break", those set up with Microsoft accounts are much much harder.

The safest way to stop access without the drive being removed is to use a bios password (IMO).

With protecting data on a removed drive, there are many software programs to choose from. Just be sure to read reviews before you decide which suit your needs best.

Folder Lock is one of the higher rated paid packages.

TrueCrypt is one of the most popular free ones.

Mark
  • 382