Hi,

I have Windows XP on my laptop and was wondering if using an administrator password is really any protection?

If my computer is lost or stolen is there any point to using a password as I have been TOLD that this is easily circumvented using safe mode, or password recovery software, etc.

Any tips or input are greatly appreciated.

Thanks again (for all the great help in the past).

SampNo, Administrator passwords are useless. You can encrypt, RESTRICT or lock specific files or folders if you like, but admin passwords can be circumvented easilyThink of putting a password on your comp as the same thing as locking your house or car. Even though it is easy ENOUGH to get into EITHER your house or car when they are locked you still lock them any way.

Other then using a password to protect your sensitive info like banking details or credit card info you MIGHT have on your PC having a password also helps keep people like kids and others that might not know what they are doing from getting on your comp and generally messing things up.

So yep it is worth it to have a password on your comp and you should definitely change the password on your Administrator account. Just make sure it isn't the same as other accounts and that you can remember it.