📎 AI Summary:
The original poster is seeking a method to ensure Windows only boots when a specific third-party hardware, like a USB device, is connected, similar to techniques used in older Windows versions. The only existing solution they found involves using a USB drive that, when absent, prevents booting, but lacks detailed implementation guidance. Respondents suggest using a Windows Pro feature with smart card authentication to achieve a hardware-based boot restriction, offering a potential alternative to the original idea.

Johncoool

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Thread Author #1
I have been searching for a solution to allow boot up only if a third party hardware is connected. For the new tech people. A similar solution was possible during the days of Windows 95 up to Win Me by using Dos.

The idea is to disable all the HDD from booting and enabling USB and once the boot process goes into the USB, then it can be redirected to go into windows, either automatically or manually. This would prevent boot up without having the USB inserted into the machine.

The only article I found came out in 2009 which is in the below link. But there is not detailed explanation about it.


Can anyone come up with ideas for me to try out?
 

Solution
You would need a Pro license, but you can use a smart card reader and the smart card needs to be plugged in otherwise the computer locks.

Neemobeer

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You would need a Pro license, but you can use a smart card reader and the smart card needs to be plugged in otherwise the computer locks.
 

Solution

Johncoool

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Thread Author #3
Thanks for the tip. I added a video below to show it below.