I've lost the only key...

[Inrealtroublenow]

To the laptop cabinet in the office. All our laptops are stored in there. Feel sick at having to admit that to boss tomorrow. Looked everywhere in office/ home/ coat/ bag. I was the only one in yesterday and today so it's definitely me and not anyone else. Was told when I started (relatively recently) to protect key with my life because it's the only copy.

Sorry if I’m being dim, but what the actual fuck is the point in locking laptops in a cabinet to then leave the key on a hook in the same office??

@Winniemarysarah

Any joy op?

Nope. I've even been back in work and tried to retrace my steps. My boss hasn't seen my messages yet either.

Can’t add anything, except that most office cabinet locks have three small numbers on the actual barrel, and any Timpsons or whoever can replace the key. Most people put a lot of faith in locks on filing cabinets but really shouldn’t!

I was told about looking for the lock number by a colleague who got spares to our bosses filing cabinet so that she knew what was going on, I’m afraid that our boss didn’t share much info generally. 😎

Do you have any desk drawers at work that you could have absentmindedly dropped the key into before you left the office?

I used to work for a bank and I lost one of the safe keys before ( there was 2 needed to open the safe) dreaded telling work but I did. I was told off and they replaced the lock.
There are worst things to lose and every company should have a contingency for these things.
Try not to worry

@SameToo

Sorry if I’m being dim, but what the actual fuck is the point in locking laptops in a cabinet to then leave the key on a hook in the same office??

I know?! I'm so confused. Certain it would invalidate any insurance they have in the event of a break-in too.

I had this same heart stopping moment - lost key....and all the children's SATS papers for that days tests locked in it!

Did find the key though, without any maladministration claims.

"I can't remember but must have locked my laptop away again before I went to the school because the cabinet is now locked."

Slow down. Calm. Think. You can't even remember locking your laptop away. But you did. Re-trace. What did you do, before and after putting laptop in cabinet.

Have you checked the area that you meant the client in

It is their own fault for only having one key; that's the stupidest thing I've ever heard of. It was only a matter of time before something happened to the key.

This ^

Cabinets are supplied with two keys, so you aren't the first person to lose one. They should have had a second one cut. Not all your fault.

Ok, so you lost it.

But...

Was told when I started (relatively recently) to protect key with my life because it's the only copy

Really bad security and really bad management. There should always be a spare to the door, the safe, the fire alarm etc. Don't take this lying down.

Anyone can lose a key.

It's on the floor under the drivers seat of your car.

Have you checked any bins at work? I once threw a key in the bin and someone else luckily found it. I agree it's a horrible feeling when it happens but it can be fixed.

It was bound to happen at some point, that's why there are always spare keys, backups etc. Absolutely ridiculous that they didn't get a replacement key.

Depending on what type of cabinet it is, you can get copies of the keys as I had to order some for some second hand cabinets that I bought. Obviously that doesn't help in a hurry, but might be useful for future reference.

There is a company called Fastkeys. If you give them the numbers on the lock and the manufacturer of the unit, they will get keys out to you the next day.

Or speak to the manufacturer of the cupboard and see if you can get a master key urgently.

Go easy on yourself OP. Bad practise to only have one key for something, they should have made a copy.
They also shouldn't be locking up a laptop cupboard and then leaving the key in the same office but hey ho 😂

OP, not sure is is going to help, but I have done something very similar, in similar circumstances (years ago) we did find the key about 3 years later, but it was in a little box in the medicine cabinet, so have a think if you did anything like that.

If your son was ill did you check to make sure you had medicine in the cupboard?

Also agree with PP its a stupid system and was bound to happen

Manager 1 "oh no, someone has lost one of the only two keys we have to our laptop storage! Whatever shall we do??"

Manager 2 "Perhaps make a few more copies?"

Manager 1 "pff that is crazy talk! We will just carry one with this single key, and warn all future employees about what a pickle they'd put us in if they ever lost sight of it. Someone lost one already but surely that crazy situation won't happen again, right?"

Manager 2 "Absolutely the most sensible option, I have no idea what I was thinking!"

fin

That's a stupid system.

1. Why have only 1 key?
2. Why bother locking up everyone's laptop (I've never heard of this before!) and then hanging up the key in the same office?

Don't worry about it OP.

What’s the point of having laptops locked up with the key hung on a hook in the office?

Ridiculous to only have one key. This was an accident waiting to happen. I wouldn't feel too bad about it, TBH, as it's not your fault they didn't have the sense to get a copy of the only key

understand why you’re worried but they should have had another key. it can probably be levered open with a screwdriver

Is the cabinet definitely locked and not just closed?.Check bins and I side your laptop too