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Password protect the boot menu on a desktop computer

Password protect the boot menu on a desktop computer

On most computers we can press a key, in my case F12, to access the boot menu where we can choose to boot from another drive, such as the CD or another HD.

Asked by: Guest | Views: 242
Total answers/comments: 5
Guest [Entry]

You can try assigning a BIOS / administration password as the boot menu may be covered by that, however, if this doesn't work and you do not want a boot password, I do not think there will be any way to achieve what you want.
Guest [Entry]

"On one of my machines, the BIOS boot password is not effective until I change TWO settings:

1. Set an administrator password
2. Set something like ""BIOS changes require Password"" to ""Boot requires Password""

Sorry for not having the correct wording, I am not in front of the BIOS (obviously). This accomplishes BIOS
Then F12 or other buttons do not work any more. Of course the bios-reset jumper still applies..."
Guest [Entry]

Very low tech, not ideal, circumventable, but possibly very effective for a typical user and most applications: Physically render the F12 key on the keyboard non-functional. Pop open the keyboard and sever the connection that key has or otherwise interfere with the contact while allowing normal motion. F12 isn't exactly a commonly used key.
Guest [Entry]

"simply put, this cannot be done.

unless, of course, you find a BIOS editor compatible with your BIOS and brace yourself for the chance of bricking it."
Guest [Entry]

It can be done. The only reason I know this is because I just purchased a used computer. The woman who had this computer knew her stuff. I am using a guest account currently on the computer. Her boot, bios, and command prompt settings are locked down. I can access command prompt in safe mode and monitor the majority of the profile information. However, if I attempt to change anything it just tells me denied. I have two programs that can get around her passwords but one will have to access the boot menu to load. This will not work. the only other option I have is to force her bios password with another program, if I can get that to work even. This woman went through a lot of trouble just to protect this computer.