How easy to get pass the password on laptop?

wazza

Whenever i get a new laptop i create the main account and limited account. Both password protected. Also where possible i create a password in BIOS. Does this make it hard to 'break' into the laptop if stolen?

-TangleFoot-

Nope - take out the HDD and its contents can be read by almost anything.

wazza

Not concerned about the harddrive, it is the laptop.

-TangleFoot-

There is a HDD inside the laptop. You don't even need to remove it sometimes: just boot another operating system from disc or stick and you can read everything that's on there.

esuhl

If you're worried about theft, this open source software might be of interest:
http://preyproject.com/

-TangleFoot-

TrueCrypt might be worth a look too.

Linbox

OP's talking about access to the machine if there is a bios/system password.

Passwords just make it difficult to access data
In normal circumstances Jo Bolgs would just dump it if it cant be started. Me I'd take the HDD out and put it in a caddy or other interface and strip it for parts. It "may" be able access the machine by using a manufactures back door bios password.

It would depend on weather it was stolen to sell on or to access your info.

victor2

There are freeware utilities around that will crack Windows passwords in minutes.
Many BIOS passwords can be erased with tricks like shorting a couple of pins on the appropriate chip. However, they are specific to the motherboard, and not all can be done that way. Removing the battery from the motherboard is another way to erase the BIOS settings, but apparently this does not always erase the password, as it may be in non-volatile memory.

System

If you are really paranoid and have plenty of money then put Becrypt Diskprotect on your laptop.

jbainbridge

Bios passwords can usually be reset.
Windows passwords can easily be reset.
Once the disk is out the machine neither matter anyway!

If you are worried about your data then as others have said - you must encrypt it. Truecrypt is worth looking at.

wazza

It is just that the laptop will be used by my nephew who is away at uni. Will have nothing of value on harddrive. Just want to make it difficult if stolen.