Help with security!

[pogsy]

Hi, I have no idea about computers...but just want to make sure that no-one has access to my files. Basically, my bf knows a lot about computers, where as I on the other hand don't and I just want to make sure that my things are private. He doesn't have access to my laptop, but know when I went to use it at his, he had to add my IP address in order for it to connect to the WLAN. Where do I even start with checking???!! Any help would be appreciated!

 

PS. I tried using a search engine for the answers but it was all gobbledygoop to me!!

 

Thanks :-)

Edited July 9, 2009 by pogsy

[Guest Wolfeymole]

So let me get this right Pogsy, you have a wireless lappy and are connecting to his machine when you go to his house yes?

 

Welcome to Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help by the way. :)

[pogsy]

Thank you!! Very happy to be here and actually (hopefully learn something about all this :-D)

 

I just typed a massive message, then realised the answer to your question was yes lol!

 

But, I just wanted to know if there was anyway he could get on my computer and see my files/pages I've visited with him at his house and me at my house! Hope that makes sense! I have nothing to hide, but it's a different story if it's viewed without my knowledge if you get me!

 

:-)

[Jelly Bean]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

 

Here is a link I found on turning file share off.

 

How to configure file sharing in Windows XP

 

You need to make sure file share is off and set files and folders to private.

 

If you follow the instructions and any attached links on what to do and not to do you should be fine.

 

Get back to me if you need further help.

 

You should changes passwords for your computer,MSN,yahoo etc on a monthy basics as this well help ensure he is not reading any of your private emails etc.

 

Always logoff your computer when leaving it for some time then he would need your password to logon,never give him any passwords.

 

In internet explorer click tools/internet options/delete history/cookies etc or under advanced tab on internet options check box to empty temp files when IE closes.

 

Also click start/all programms/accessories/disk cleanup/check all boxes once it scanned for files and delete.

 

If you in general keep your computer clean then traces can be made harder to find.

 

I hope this helps?

 

JB.

[pogsy]

Hi,

 

Thanks very much for your message...yeah that info is great! I can do the rest, but when I've just gone to turn file sharing off I encountered a problem! I have no idea what these things are called so I'll try to explain in layman's terms! (Sorry and thanks once again for your patience with me, doh!)

 

Right, when I open My Computer, My Docs, or anything like that, I once hid all the options at the top and have never been able to get them back! So, when I open my computer, i have a blue bar at the top, then under that all my files, and on the left I have the options of System Tasks, Other Places, and Details (so file, edit, view, tools etc, all those options aren't there anymore, nor is the back button etc.) I've tried right clicking everywhere and can't seem to un-hide them! Anyone got any idea how to get these back on?! As I can't do the above task without that tools button!!

[Guest Wolfeymole]

What browser are you using Pogsy, by that I mean what you click to get onto the Internet or in other words Internet Explorer, Firefox etc?

[pogsy]

I'm using IE8 I think...the newest one, think it popped up as an auto update the other day. I also have google chrome, but I don't really use it! :-s

[Guest Wolfeymole]

Ok I'm unsure how badly IE8 is affected so it might be better to re-set it.

 

Go into Control Panel and double click Internet Options

 

Click the Advanced Tab and at the bottom click Reset, then get back to us.

[pogsy]

Ahhh....I think I confused things, IE is fine, it's XP I have this prob on.

 

The link that jelly bean gave me to turn off file sharing says

1. Double-click My Computer on the desktop.
   
2. On the Tools menu, click Folder Options.
   

My prob is that in My Computer, My Docs, Control Panel etc, I haven't got those options under the blue bar at the top anymore, or a back button etc. Tried to do a screen shot but can't get it on here either!

[Guest Wolfeymole]

Do you at least still have the blue bar at the top because if so right click on it and tell us what is ticked.

[pogsy]

When I right click, it just comes up with the options to minimise/close etc, tried right clicking various other places and no joy. Hopefully a pic should be attached now :eek:

control panel screen.doc

[RandyL]

By any chance are you in full screen mode? Try the F11 key.

 

Also try the Alt key.

 

Another thing you can try is going to Folder Options in Control Panel and Restore Defaults.

[pogsy]

Genius!

 

I wasn't in full screen mode...

 

...but to fix the prob I put it in full screen then it let me right click at the top and choose to show the menu bar, address bar etc!!

This has been bugging me for more than a year! Thank you!!

 

Thanks to the other posters too...I'm going to try your suggestions :-) xxx

[RandyL]

I'm glad we could be of assistance. Let us know if you still need help.

 

Good luck.

[pogsy]

Thanks...I'll more than likely need it! :-D