theft

[Vivek14]

How do I find my laptop and secure it if it is stolen?

(My laptop is a hp pavilion 13 s102tu.)

[Rankam]

I think you need to have HP tracking and recovery service.

[Rankam]

Call HP and tell them the laptop was stolen and register the serial number with them.  Call your local authorities, if you have a 4g connection on it call your ISP and ask them to track it down.

[IT_WinSec]

Hello @Vivek14,

Welcome! Thank you for posting in the HP Support forum.

If your notebook is currently stolen/missing, there is not much that can be done - you can only report it to the authorities and pray to be found/return and in good condition. Data is not protected if not encrypted.

If you ask generally and for potential future cases - there is much to be done. Only the data can be secured, not the machine itself - if it gets stolen, the criminals can break it and do whatever they want. You can secure your data and operating system by use Full Disk Encryption software. Most popular is BitLocker from Microsoft (available for free in the professional and business edition of Windows). I see your computer comes with Windows 10 Home , therefore BitLocker is not enabled.  

If you want you can purchase an upgrade from Microsoft Store from Home to Pro and enable this feature

>> https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/12384/windows-10-upgrading-home-to-pro

>> https://www.microsoftstore.com

You can also use another software (not BitLocker) or you can use free alternative such as VeraCrypt

http://www.howtogeek.com/234826/how-to-enable-full-disk-encryption-on-windows-10/

For business class computers HP offers freeHP Client Security software and  HP Drive encryption.

There are certain amount of programs that can help you track/locate missing computer but if they are used, your data remains unprotected because this software needs the operating system to be active. Best is the Full Disk Encryption that protects your data.

Let me know if this helps and if you need further assistance.

[Vivek14]

Thanks for the help sir.As u thought I just asked generally and for future purposes. I'm just a student so I'm not entirely concerned about the data but I'm concerned more for the device itself.

[IT_WinSec · Accepted solution]

Hello,

Please, review these articles/links:

>> http://www.howtogeek.com/235083/how-to-track-your-windows-10-pc-or-tablet-if-you-ever-lose-it/

>> http://trendblog.net/track-stolen-laptop-without-installed-tracking-program/

>> http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/best-apps-track-stolen-laptop/

>> http://www8.hp.com/us/en/business-services/pcandprintservices/tracking-and-recovery.html?jumpid=va_8...

Track and locate is not very reliable from user side because any trained criminals will never use your operating system. Instead, they will wipe out the data/drive and install their own OS, therefore rendering tracking software gone/useless. Additionally, the tracking of the software is not acurate but just approximate. Only amateurs will fall victim of tracking software.

Best would be to secure your data and to keep the computer always with you or locked in a secure place to avoid loss.

If you find my post helped, please use the button to mark it as an accepted solution. Don't hesitate to post again if something is not clear.

[Vivek14]

Thanks for the help sir.
Appreciate it!

[IT_WinSec]

You are welcome !

Do come back if you have any other questions.