After I had time to think about it;

I agree I think "the courts" with think it just as bad to inform how to get past as getting past it yourself.

Just because of the possible penalties I would explain to the company the risk is to great and to not take it as a insult. It would be quicker and easier for them to get a lawyer breathing down the ex-employee's neck would be a quicker and less damaging solution

either way I would "tread lightly"


>>Well the only thing that I can think of is "Usually a company will have their employees sign an understanding of these issues but who knows.(like stated before)" and if so then the only question I have is. Is this a network password? if so then can't it be resetted? that would be the simplest way, that you could tell them to do it themselves and a way to keep you out of the legal process
>>
>>Personally I would of unlocked it myself after they show me proof that the PC is indeed theirs. Then copy the needed files off and leave the files on the PC as is.
>>
>>Once again, I am kinda blind to legal stuff I have a habit of looking at stuff logically. thats my option
>
>Normally I think this way too but here IMO the risks of not being informed on the legal issues are too great.
>
>For example, I'm not even sure if it's kosher to provide advice on how they can defeat the password themselves or even an opinion on if it can be done and/or how easily.