Re: Simple question about laptop file security

John John (MVP) wrote:
Twayne wrote:
Bruce Chambers wrote:
here@xxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
I've browsed through various Windows docs and can't seem to get a
simple answer to the following question.

I've always used third-party encryption software to encrypt
sensitive files on my laptop in case it was lost or stolen but I'm
wondering if that's really necessary.

Well, it'd stop a rank amateur from accessing your files, but would
hardly slow down a professional who stole the laptop with the goal
of getting at your data. Encryption is helpful, but none is 100%
iron-clad.

My question is, if my laptop is lost or
stolen and I have a password on the administrator account and
password on my user account, would someone be able to access my
files somehow if they're not encrypted?

Certainly. It's take less than 5 minutes for anyone with physical
access to the computer and any of the dozens of Linux-based password
cracking tools that are freely available to anyone who can use
Google.
I'm using XP Home and can't use the built-in
file encryption available in the Professional edition.

That's a rather curious statement. I wonder why not? OP?

Maybe because the Encrypting File System (EFS) is not available in XP
Home? Do you know a way around this small detail?

John

D'oh! Of course, that's it; good call.

Twayne


.

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