You really need to move out. Think about the safety and security of the rest of your stuff. Don’t threaten to do it, just do it.
Hmmm.
Sorry to hear about the conundrum.
You could try “breaking” the computer.
Just disable the hard disk drive in BIOS. She can get in, but without an operating system, it’s an expensive paperweight.
“I’m sorry, the hard drive’s broken and I can’t afford a new one right now.”
I’ve got to back up Quartz here. If no one in power is willing to prevent her from attempting to get into your room, nothing you do will permanently bar her from it. All you’re doing is delaying the day you come home to find a door broken off its hinges and a computer smashed to bits. It sucks that there’s no permanent solution, but if she’s got hours each day to try to get into your room, she’s going to do so.
I’d also be concerned that she might transfer some of that anger onto Granny. What a horrible situation. I know this isn’t IMHO, but I also agree with Quartz.
All the more reason to get her fixated on something else, like her own computer, rather than make it into some kind of battle of will. There isn’t anything to be gained, here.
I’ve thought about this thread overnight (no, I’m not that OCD about the Dope, but lots of stuff rattles around in the back of my mind during off hours). Both legal and technological barriers to the little brat using your computer would be ethically appropriate, but probably not the most effective response. As others have said, you would probably have problems getting a legal intervention when the guy has legitimate access to the home. And things like passwords and whatnot against a juvenile geek? I’d be afraid to put many hours down in the office pool as to how long it takes him to crack you.
What you should do is boot from an external hard drive. When you shut down and leave, unplug it and take it with you. End of problem. (Unless you begrudge the little beggar the use of your electrons and wear and tear on your monitor screen)
Or how bout a guest account on the PC locked down enough so that a virus won’t slip in. And leave the room open for her to use. That’d be cheaper and less permanent then a whole 'nother 'puter.
Or you could make a trip to the hardware store and with one tool and a special plate you can prevent her from prying her way into your room.
A special externally mounted metal bracket/plate that overlays the wooden strip and jam that she’s mangling will prevent her from getting into the room unless the door is destroyed. You can secure the thing with non-reversible screws. One plate and one tool.
Incidentally, unauthorized operation of the PC, if it’s properly disclaimed and warned against by the owner, is unlawful and a felony in some states and a misdemeanor in others.
The way the OP describes it, that’s the expected response to increased security. I stand by my recommendation (given the information at hand). It’s like buying a cat toy to keep a determined and energetic feline from shredding your furniture - either cough up the dough or resign yourself to the damage. Being morally in the right may be satisfying on some visceral level, but you’ll end up being the morally right person with a shredded couch, or disabled computer.
That’s awfully hard to stomach.
Maybe it would be best to leave the computer in a common room so that she ain’t diggin through your stuff when she’s using the guest account.
Uh, you don’t have a PC problem or a niece/cousin problem or a security problem. Those are all symptoms of a family problem, or a constellation of them. Finding a way to block access to your PC may be a satisfying short-term solution, but it does no one much good in the long run. Locking her out will not change her. It won’t eliminate any future difficulties. I understand that you’re looking for some sort of quick fix, but it’s like asking for assistance on where to put the deckchairs on the Titanic. Get thee, and as many family members as you can, into some sort of social work network. The child, and the family, are in big need. Bigger, even, than your computer problem. Beyond your immediate practical concerns, you’re obligated as a member of a family to make some efforts at making things better.
You need to move the hell out of there NOW! Living in a cheap motel would be better than what you’re going through; it might even be less expensive.
One more thought…renters insurance…now!
If asshatina goes nuclear on your PC and actually destroys it, the insurance company will come back looking for compensation. They will probably be less forgiving than the police and they will never forget.
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Buy a wireless keyboard and mouse
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Buy new mat for desk
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Use new wireless K/M exclusively
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Go hiking with the old keyboard and mouse
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Find a patch of poison ivy
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Suit up in disposable clothing, gloves, etc.
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Rub keyboard/mouse in poison ivy
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Carefully return old keyboard/mouse to desk
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Itching ensues
You may want to also go the nannycam route to see if she touches anything else in the room.
I know it may only be a short-term solution (who can type when their hands are swollen grapefruits?) but IMHO it will be worth it.
THIS.
Dude, Can Handle the Truth, what is stopping you from doing this? Have some fun and teach her a lesson at the same time.
What is she doing on the computer that is so important to her that she would break into a deadbolted room? MySpace or what??
What is she to you, a cousin, a niece, what?
I tossed this Q to my guys at the shop for a true secure solution.
The one we thought was the slickest was boot to thumb drive
You can install windows to a memory stick, then just pull it out after you shut down. No stick, no OS, no usable puter.
Not a solution for all machines but recent vintage boxes should work.
Any updates? Did the locksmith have any good suggestions?
You may want to call your local juvenile prosecutor’s office and see what they suggest. Around here, her behavior is enough for a burglary charge at the very least.
It’s an unwise idea to do anything but move.
That being said, if she’s on “juvie probation” then you might also be able to contact her case worker.
Still, I’d see nothing but unprofitable outcomes for you.
I have actually done this twice before. Her big thing is Myspace. I have used keyloggers to obtain her passwords and delete her Myspace page (this was with permission from her mother). But the next time she gets access to a computer, she just makes a new page. Same with email. She uses Yahoo mail, so she can make a free account whenever she wants.
I went to Lowes and got some heavy-duty metal plates to reinforce the door and the jamb. She has been over here twice since my post of 7/17 and has not tried anything. I have confiscated all screwdrivers, chisels, hammers, and any other tools that she could conceivably use, and locked them in the trunk of my car. I also have been taking my laptop to work.