port of entry - Toronto

[kccc]

Hi Everyone,

Just wondering do they check your laptops, harddisks at the Border after you land ?

Shouldn't be a big issue, I think, since I have windows license pasted at the laptop, I'm more worried if my o/s gets corrupted or virus infection during the process if they ask me to turn it on and plug it in. Has this happened to anyone ?

I heard they check this very thoroughly in the US borders, but not sure about Canada.

thanks,
K

[qorax]

Hi Everyone,

Just wondering do they check your laptops, harddisks at the Border after you land ?

Shouldn't be a big issue, I think, since I have windows license pasted at the laptop, I'm more worried if my o/s gets corrupted or virus infection during the process if they ask me to turn it on and plug it in. Has this happened to anyone ?

I heard they check this very thoroughly in the US borders, but not sure about Canada.

thanks,
K

Usually they don't... but the risk of a random check would always be there if one's trying to bring-in pirated software!

Nonetheless, how would the notebook get infected by turning-on? And that's what they'd do if in doubt.

Qorax

[kccc]

Thanks Qorax,

Thanks for clarifying. I've made sure all software in laptop are either licensed or open sourced or freeware.

cheers,
K

[links18]

Generally, if they are going to check your laptop, they will be looking to see if you have any child *censored word*ography on it. The legality of warrantless searches of laptops at the border is currently being contested in the U.S. courts.