Why do computer repair people need my laptop password for a hardware repair?

Question

So my laptop cracked near the hinge as a result of poorly made plastic. It cracked under the pressure of opening and closing it.

They said they would replace that part for free but asked for my password. Why would they even need that? It's Windows 8.

Answer 1

A laptop is an extremely complicated piece of engineering.

If you've ever repaired laptops yourself (I do this regularly), you'll see how many things can go wrong when you disassemble a laptop.

You cannot replace the hinge without a disassembly- you cannot pull the hinge out of the laptop- you need to remove screws and open the case/ external shell.

Opening the external shell, in most laptops, will necessitate removal of cables- HDD cable, power cable, keyboard cable, audio board cable, USB board cable, card reader cable, WiFi antenna cables, figerprint scanner cables, touchpad cable, speakers cable, etc. (not all these cables in every model though- the cables removed is very much model dependent)

At the very least, your tech will need to remove the LCD cable, the Microphone cable, the Webcam cable, and the WiFi antenna cable (these cables connect the screen part of the laptop to it's keyboard part).

When he re-assembles the computer up, a loose connection somewhere might result in some failure.

He has to be absolutely SURE that ALL the cables are connected properly (connecting a laptop cable on the motherboard is not as simple as plugging in a cell phone charger to a wall outlet- the cables are super tiny, and the motherboard locks are not always tight enough to lock them properly- they won't auto-disengage while you're using the laptop, but when the laptop is open (screws removed), trying to connect one cable will often slightly nudge another cable and disconnect a part of it.



The ONLY way to test this, is to RUN the laptop for some time, maybe a couple of hours, and make sure everything works.

If you don't give him your password, he has three options:

1>Return the laptop without testing. If something is not working, you'll have to send the laptop back to him.

2>Install a fresh copy of Windows on your computer using his personal test hard drive, install ALL drivers, set up everything, and then test it. This is an extremely time-consuming process, and if I was your tech, I wouldn't even think about taking this path, unless you give me $100 extra just to test your computer.

3>Test it with a live linux distribution. The problem here is, Linux will often NOT support all the internal hardware of a laptop. If something is not working, your tech would need to waste a lot of time researching on the internet if this is a real hardware failure (loose cable somewhere) or a problem with his linux distro (bad/ missing drivers). If this is a linux induced problem, he'll again need to look for ways to fix this, download open source drivers, etc.

This again is an extremely time consuming process. It's fine if everything runs in one go, but if something doesn't, he'll spend hours trying to figure out what's going on, and to top it off, he'll be confused if the issue is a software limitation or hardware induced.



Long story short, you should give him your password.

Techs don't care about your personal data.

We don't care if you have illegal content - we're not the FBI. We don't care about your personal content (we have so many computers coming in for repairs- if we were to scour people's hard drives expecting to stumble upon something embarrassing or personal, we wouldn't be making a lot of money would we now).



And like someone said, if I really wanted to check the contents of your hard drive, I could do this very easily-even without your password.

The password is required to boot up the computer and test it, not required if my sole intention is to look up information in your hard disk.



Don't be scared of techs. Give them your password. Trust them, the same way you trust your doctor. A tech is a doctor of computers, we don't do evil!

Answer 2

To fix a hinge on a laptop they don't need a password or even turn the laptop on to repair it unless need to do a quick check of the system when taking the laptop apart and putting it back together after repairing the hinge

Answer 3

Wow some of these techs here would scare me. When I worked on other people's machines if people had log in passwords to get in to there machines and they didn't feel right giving me there log in passwords then I would do the repair right in front of them, and I would just look the other way while the customer typed in there password so I could access the OS. And I even let customers sit with me and watch me and even chat with me while I repaired there machines, and I always explained to them what I was doing and why. There's no reason for any tech to be sneaky. And if you feel uncomfortable about it and the tech won't cooperate with you, then find one that will. You're the customer, and you're in charge of what you want. Not me

Answer 4

Probably, they want to test the unit following repairs, however, a boot disk can be used instead. It seems a simple solution would be for you to ask them why they need the password. You are their customer and they make a profit from you. By the way. some hinge replacement is very easy. Youtube videos show how and Amazon and eBay sell the hinges. There are just a few screws holding them in place and the unit does not have to be opened on most of them.

Answer 5

you don't need to give your password for changing a hinge the only reason for looking for a password is to scan your laptop and probably tell ya that the found virus or malware or both and it would be x amount to remove it. To test the operation of the system the just need a live CD like hiren's disk, but there is no need to do that if it only came in with a broken hinge

Answer 6

If they wanted to see what was on your hard drive it would be a simple matter to remove your hard drive and clone it. I do just that to all the computers I work on so I have a backup of the client's files before I do any work on the computer. I actually don't look at the cloned drive and the backup is destroyed after the client pays their ticket.



I also request that they give me the password to their accounts when I accept the computer for repair. I explain why I need this information and offer the option of having them log on and then I change the password with them standing there so they do not have to surrender this information. When the job is finished I log in and they can reset the password when they pick up the computer. If they do not want to do that I tell them I can not help them.



I do test the computer after I make the needed repairs but do not care what pirated or illegal software you have installed. As long as I do not stumble across your cache of underage porn or plans for a terrorist meeting your secrets are safe with me.

Answer 7

I have repaired laptops for years and the answer is THEY DON'T. And if I want to spy on your content, I can just read your hard drive directly through another computer. It takes discipline to respect the owners and not to spy on them. Bring your business elsewhere or better yet, buy the parts and DIY. Just search for the service manual or watch YouTube videos and follow the procedure. But even without the manual, it's easy to disassemble laptops. It only takes one screwdriver and some patience.

Answer 8

Yes

Answer 9

I will have to agree that they will need the password to install new drivers update the OS, however. Under my care, I would not need your password. I would change the password to what ever I wanted to as my responsibility is to not only repair the hinge but to also update your os, drivers and to remote crap ware, run antivirus and malware check plus I make a BMB of your system before and after. U will be 100% happy!

Answer 10

If your worried about it all you need to do is change the password when the repairs are finished.

And anytime he logs onto your pc just monitor what he does to make sure he does not access any personal files.

Answer 11

A typical laptop dis-assembly means removing the keyboard and top panel / trackpad, plus possibly disconnecting some number of other connectors to eg. speakers & top panel lights & switches..



To replace a hinge, It may also need the screen video & touch cables plus WiFi antennas disconnecting, depending on how the cables are laid out.



The screen housing will need dismantling to some level to get to the fixings on the part of the hinge that is in the screen.



There is a LOT to re-assemble and test, and you need to run the machine to makes sure everything is functioning properly.

Answer 12

They do not need your password.

They can use a USB stick or DVD with a live-OS, to test functionality.

They could also use that same live-OS to browse your private data, unless the drive is encrypted.



Basically, they do not require your password to to check that a hinge replacement has been successful, and that the system is operating correctly

Answer 13

An administrator account can control your pc. You can not run safe mode too without password. If I repair your computer hardware I must have to see what is displaying?

Answer 14

I would never give them my password unless I wanted them to get into my system to check for malware, and check logs for errors. For simple hinge repair password is not needed.

Answer 15

his is purely so that once the engineer has dismantled and replaced the broken part of your machine he / she ca then test the operation of the items fitted, you would be very annoyed if you got the laptop back and the screen was not working,

If you can still see your desktop I would then make a copy of any important data and remove it or put it into a file with a lock code on it so that no one can access it without the code. If you are not able to see the screen then connect it to an alternative so you can do the above. Or you can set up a user account but that may not be enough to allow the engineer to try all the aspects as it would be restricted and not allow access to the OS

Answer 16

They could need to the password the test the hardware and make sure no mistakes were made. Also I doubt they will know about Sony Vegas being pirated and even if they did they will probably do nothing about it.

Answer 17

If I can't get in touch with the customer after many attempts, I hack my way in and assign them a new password. I don't want to view pictures, music, documents, etc. I perform repairs and have 100% trust of all clients.

Answer 18

This is most likely so that (1) They can install drives / update drivers (2) To check that everything is working right. As someone said all they need to do to look at what you have on your computer or still information is take the hard drive out and make a copy. That is unless you have the hard drive encrypted and you probably don't. So just change your password so that they don't have your normal password and let them do their work.

Answer 19

Whether it is hardware or software problem, they have to check the working of your laptop after repair. And yes, if they want to spy on your content, they can easily connect your hard disc to other laptops. Stay calm your laptop will be repaired.

Answer 20

probably just to make sure it still works properly. Isnt that software to go to the deep web? trust me they probably dont care unless you are looking at child porn. MAYBE hacking sites, probably not. as long as theres proof on there you're not using it for evil puposes (aka hacking anyone OTHER than your OWN old accounts) and MAYBE if your looking at the drug selling sites and drug markets, it kinda depends on if they're low-key cool with drugs, which you wont be able to tell by looking at their faces lol and you won't be able to tell even if they tell you that they don't DO drugs. you never know who they hang with. so just give them your password.



If you mean you're just downloading/watching movies/TV shows illegally without purchase, trust me they don't care. at all. not one bit. everyone does it. Same with music. Give them the password. I promise they really don't give a **** lol. Do you know how many songs i downloaded illegally?? Lol and even if a cop saw my ipod they wouldnt even care, wouldnt fine me, arrest me, nothing. the WORST they would do it take it off, and you would have to redownload the software. that's it.

Answer 21

Password of the admin account is needed for all complex tests after repairs or during diagnostics. From my experience when after repair I looked to the logs, they didn't even use my password. Although I advice: change your usual password to anything else and give them it. They haven't to know your main password.

Answer 22

I personally dont think they NEED the password. If they are good enough to be a certified technician to work on your computer they would be able to access detailed instructions on how to properly disassemble and repair the computer. I personally work at a computer repair shop and can tell you first hand that repairing something like that is not a good idea. I remember a while ago, i actually brought my laptop to a repair shop and i saw someone snooping through their photos as they were repairing their computer. That's when i brought it to the shop that i now work and ended up getting a job there and based on my 3 years, it is NOT necessary. But, maybe when you pick up your computer, just turn it on and make sure that it does turn on, and boot, because if for some reason they mess something up they should be truthful and fix it on the spot.Trust me on this: i have fixed laptops and desktops with a variety of different issues before.

Answer 23

Unforeseen

Answer 24

Hhhhhh

Answer 25

They probably want to check the hard drive, monitor, keyboard and other hardware devices after you DROPPED your cheap plastic laptop to make sure everything works.

Answer 26

I'm sure it's fine, as long as you don't have anything on the computer that you can't afford to have seen by the technician, although I'm sure they've seen just about everything under the sun. I'd imagine that he/she wants to run tests on the computer after the repair to make sure that it works okay. As complicated as computers are, a lot can go wrong. I can certainly relate to your concern regarding utorrent, because I also had that on my computer when I had repaired. However, the dude/dudette more than likely doesn't care, and if they reported their customers, there wouldn't be any customers left. TONS of people torrent and pirate. It's so common that there is rarely even prosecution for it.

Answer 27

Unless they're installing something that needs drivers they don't need any passwords. If they're replacing a hinge, they only need to be able to turn on the computer to make sure the screen turns on. They don't need your password for that repair. they just need to swap the part, and make sure it turns on. I would have told them to **** off.

Answer 28

They only need password for testing that all the parts are in working condition or not?

Answer 29

They need your password for repairing only.

Answer 30

I used to work in a repair shop we did laptops, PC's and tv's etc. We really don't give a darn what's on your PC. Here's what you do, have them replace the hinge and then call you when it's ready. You go to the shop and pick it up and test it and if it's ok pay them. You do need to test it because sometimes those ribbon cables for the display can come loose or maybe it wasn't installed properly. Make sure the display is ok by testing it yourself.

Answer 31

As a few others have said, it's doubtless just so that they can be thorough and make sure your machine is fully functioning before they hand it back to you. They're not in the slightest interested in what you have on there, they just need to get the job completed.



It's not essential, but it makes sense for them to check all is in order.

Answer 32

I haven't read all the answers here, but I disagree with what I've read.

When I've repaired my laptops, I've been told to remove the hard drive first.

The tech does not need your hard drive - you should remove it for a hardware repair and not make it available to the tech for any reason. If he needs to test the hardware with an OS (he probably doesn't; the BIOS should be sufficient) he can use a CD repair disk of various flavors. Optionally, he can install his own HD with the OS of his choice for the test.

All techs will say they don't look at your HD - maybe they don't, but that's no reason to give them the keys.

Answer 33

If possible I would put in a substitute hard drive if available.Almost everyone I know that has brought a PC in for repair has had the hard drive formatted by the tech even if you leave instructions for them now to do so.

Answer 34

They are going to have to take it apart in order to repair it, and will need to turn it on to test it once they have reassembled it.

Answer 35

Well typically, when working with laptops, the technician may need your password in order to ensure everything s working properly (in order to stress test your repairs, you need access to the operating system so you can run different programs, and see what happens), but it s possible to boot Windows 8.1 from an external USB hard drive, and test the system that way. That s what I do. I ve been working on computers for near 23 years now, and I ve never had the need for someone s password. I just hook up the external hard drive, and have the BIOS boot from there.



However, you can t do it natively - Microsoft disabled support for that with Windows Vista and later. Many technicians probably don t even realize it s possible, and it s actually quite easy to do.

Answer 36

A password in a computer is very easy to crack/hack when you have it in your hands. If those guys don't know how to do it, that's proof of their expertise. Go somewhere else.

Answer 37

He doesn't. Technicians have software programs that can hack the password and they can reset the CMOS password if necessary. He might just need it as a convenience.

Answer 38

To check if the hardware is working properly or not otherwise he's job all its gone blank for nothing and also both they are important software on's the hardware and hardware on's the software

Answer 39

download a copy of ubuntu and remove the hard drive.. burn it to a cd andput it in the cd drive.. that is all they will need. ubuntu will run from the cd and is fully functional as a live OS.. if they still say they cant do it they are trying to pull the wool over your head..

Answer 40

Some of the half baked responses here. J.C.

Tell the guy that if he was a good PC Tech , he could have got run it without calling you.

That he should have live operating systems on USB drives he could have boot off

Answer 41

So they can daignose and repair and verfiy. They need access to the operating system to do that. If you are concerned about privacy you can set an account up that they may use with no access to your personal stuff, etc...

Answer 42

Sometimes they may need to reinstall your driver. Why would it matter unless you are hiding something you don't want people to see!?

Answer 43

anyway, after the repair is done, you just change your password. remember, always backup your data time to time, computer cracking down could happen at anytime.

Answer 44

Don't worry just give them your password. They will update your OS for free and your drivers to stay up to date. If you have any personal things then you can directly reject their request in-case only there is cracked case.

They might have also checked for other hardware errors and would need password for installing drivers.

They usually ignore illegal software such as utorrent.

Answer 45

It's questionable there are in fact several potential answers to the question

Answer 46

Probably turning it on and sign off as completed and running as expected, that's likely it.

Answer 47

You must have damaged a part related to system functions . they must be needing that to either calibrate the part or test it.

Answer 48

they need the password to work on it

Answer 49

Need it to access as administrator...

Answer 50

To log in and see if it is running properly

Answer 51

Because you nèd tools and skills

Answer 52

Bottom line , they need it to install drivers, or they need you to login for them and then let them install the drivers.

Answer 53

otherwise they'd be locked out.

Answer 54

just to see that everything is working

Answer 55

because of they login first and then then can do check our any kind of activity

Answer 56

awesome

Answer 57

They don't need that

Answer 58

To gain access to your illegal porn stash

Answer 59

They want to log into you r computer to steal the porn you have on it.

Answer 60

so they can test it when they get it fixed I do my owen fixing is easy once you know how

Answer 61

to see if you have any illegal kiddie porn in your emails.

Answer 62

that is why you take it off before you take it in.... chill they well not call or turn you in they what your money...

Answer 63

idk