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 pornography on it. The legality of warrantless searches of laptops at the border is currently being contested in the U.S. courts.