How to set boot password?

[j98]

I want my laptop to prompt for a password before Windows loads. I set this up in the BIOS and it worked for about two weeks, but then the PC somehow forgot all about it and just started loading with no password prompt. I tried to configure it again, and the exact same thing happened.

I have a Dell Studio XPS (about 4 months old) with Windows Vista Home Premium.

Basically I just don't want my files/info to be accessible if the laptop is stolen.

Does anyone know why the password only seems to be working temporarily?

Thanks!

 

[theheyes]

I'm not sure what that password you mentioned was doing. A BIOS password will only come into effect when you wish to access/change the BIOS settings and not before Windows boots. This is easily got around by removing the CMOS battery so it is not secure.

What you need is full drive encryption. This isn't available in Home Premium but you can achieve the same thing with TrueCrypt:

http://www.truecrypt.org/

I've been using it for a long time on my laptop and it is great software. However you should backup up all your files before installing/encrypting your drive. The TrueCrypt interface is quite easy to follow and gives you some good information and pointers along the way.