Increase privacy, enable BIOS password

I knew this trick well before I started blogging, but I never felt the need to put a BIOS password. I always thought it would become more irritating to type password to start the computer. But after reading the article 10 tips to keep your notebook safe by Chris Pirillo my mind changed and I asked BIOS for password when it starts.

Bios is the first program that runs when you press the power button. BIOS is responsible for loading your XP/Vista whatever. If you have a BIOS password enabled it will not be possible for any one to access your computer, in case your computer comes into unauthorized hands

To enter the BIOS setup program, sometimes called CMOS setup:

Turn on or reboot your laptop. Keep pressing 'del'[1] to enter the BIOS setup program.

In older computers a message appears to press DEL to enter setup.

When you do hit DEL at the right time, you'll see a menu screen.

As you can see there are two options that relate to passwords, Supervisor Password and User Password, these relate to controlling access to the BIOS Setup Program and the Machine Boot respectively.

Note that not all BIOS's have this password feature, your bios may not have it in which case you won't be able to restrict access to your computer in this way.

Select USER PASSWORD and you'll be prompted to enter a password:

You should now enter a password of up to eight characters (most BIOS's are limited to eight characters unfortunately). I recommend you use the full eight but take care that you choose something you'll not forget.

The BIOS will then prompt you to confirm the password, just type the same thing again.

Now you'll want to set your system to ask for that password every time it boots, so select the BIOS FEATURES SETUP option.

Fairly obviously, it's the Password Check option we're interested in, so select it and change the setting to ALWAYS.

Now navigate back to the main menu and select SAVE & EXIT SETUP. Your machine will then reboot and you'll be prompted for the password.

Each and every time you boot you'll be asked for password you chose.

Please note that this method of restricting access to your computer is not completely foolproof, there are ways around it. But it will stop or at least delay the majority of casual attempts to get access.

If you forget your BIOS password, consult your motherboard manual or if you don't have one, consult the website of the BIOS manufacturer.

[1] It's not always the DEL key some BIOS's use F2 or F10 or anothother key combination, check your motherboard manual for more details.