Booting the PC

biuro74

biuro74

biuro74

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Hi,

This is very frustrating time when you are a PC geek from few decades, and your son who couldn't even learn any programming language ;-) and has got 1) BIOS user password and 2) Windows password preventing from uncontrolled PC launch starts using this PC with no hassle. Yes, teenager wins somehow and I don't know how. All my experience can evaporate now.
This is not about outdated PC build, as it started with previous PC (non UEFI-compliant) and I've thought for a second maybe he discovered some mainboard quirk, so upgraded it to B550... the same. User password is present, so every reset/turning on there's a screen with password prompt. I don't suspect him for knowledge what a backdoor master password is (and frankly, never checked it if that works in any PC in my house), but even so... it's next paragraph.
Next paragraph is stage 2 - Windows password. I can obey this password, but this is a method for adding new user and with installation pendrive (he doesn't have it), so I doubt he knows this method.
Most interesting thing is when I boot up PC alone, all my passwords work - so they are not changed, reseted etc. Son doesn't know both of them (passwords were different now and with previous build anyways).
The simplest method - asking him how he makes it working - doesn't work. "I've switched PC on and there was no passwords at all" - you can hear, observing his 165 Hz moving pointer at screen.
Looks like workstation rebellion against server ;-) and the only question I've got is: HOW IS HE DOING THIS ?
What am I missing ?
 
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I think he's saying he has put a BIOS password and Windows password on the PC to control his son's access. But his son is somehow bypassing this and getting the PC to boot and get into Windows.
 
Hades said:
I think he's saying he has put a BIOS password and Windows password on the PC to control his son's access. But his son is somehow bypassing this and getting the PC to boot and get into Windows.
Click to expand...
if thats the case wouldnt removing the cmos battery wipe all the settings on the bios including the password?

might be how his son is getting around it.
 
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BIOS password is completely unconnected to Windows user account passwords.

There is a method however to reset windows account passwords using this method.
mytekrescue.com

Resetting the Password on Almost Any Windows Computer - tekRESCUE

This article will show you how to change the passwords of users, create new users, and elevate users to administrators on most later versions of Windows.
mytekrescue.com mytekrescue.com
 
'could be removing cmos battery to get around restrictions in the bios and then using a bootable usb linux stick to change stuff in windows, then booting up windows.

edit : does he have any tech savvy mates?
 
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Yrkoon said:
if thats the case wouldnt removing the cmos battery wipe all the settings on the bios including the password?

might be how his son is getting around it.
Click to expand...
I don't think so. From the OP's description (if I have understood it correctly) both passwords are still on there.
 
I've asked ChatGPT to help you out in the English department.

Hi,

I can understand your frustration. As someone who has been into PCs for several decades, it can be baffling when your teenager manages to bypass the BIOS user password and Windows password effortlessly, despite not having any programming or technical knowledge. You've upgraded your PC to a B550 motherboard, but the issue persists, with both the BIOS user password and Windows password still present.

The situation can be divided into two parts:

1. BIOS User Password: It's unlikely that your son knows a backdoor master password, and it's also improbable that he's using a motherboard quirk since you upgraded it. Strangely, when you boot up the PC by yourself, your passwords still work, indicating that they haven't been changed or reset.

2. Windows Password: Even if you could reset this password with installation media, your son doesn't have access to it, so it's doubtful that he's using this method.

Your son claims that when he starts the PC, there are no password prompts at all, which adds to the mystery.

It appears as if your PC has a mind of its own, rebelling against the security settings you've put in place. The most puzzling question you have is: How is he doing this?

Regrettably, there doesn't seem to be an obvious answer based on the information provided. It might be worth considering some unusual possibilities like automatic login settings or some unintended behavior specific to your PC configuration. It could also be worthwhile to have a professional technician take a closer look at your system to identify any hidden issues.

In any case, I understand your concern, and I hope you can eventually get to the bottom of this mystery.
Click to expand...
 
I suspect he’s obtained the password via social engineering. Have you received any calls from Microsoft recently where the person on the other end sounded suspiciously young?
 
Yes, my younger kid bypasses both passwords (BIOS and W10).
Yes, only I do know passwords.
I need a Sherlock who knew that already :)
 
Change them both to a completely random string of text that he couldn't possibly guess and see if he can still get access - that way you'll know for sure whether he's actually bypassing them or if he just managed to figure them out / watch you type them once / whatever
 
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