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07/25/2005 02:42:44 PM · #1 |
Help.....How do you override a password protected laptop pc without loosing the files? Surely this is possible. My son once told me he left notes to each of his family on his pc but no one knows the password.
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07/25/2005 02:48:21 PM · #2 |
which operating system? if your computer came with a restore disk, you should be able reinstall only the OS losing only specific user data and the said passwords retaining all files on the hard drive.
this is a relatively intrusive process, you might want to wait for someone else to respond...
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07/25/2005 02:53:28 PM · #3 |
What make and model laptop?
What operating system (win98,ME,2000, or XP)? |
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07/25/2005 02:53:32 PM · #4 |
| Does it ask you for the password before windows ever starts? Or after windows starts? And what Windows is running? Is it XP? Or 98? |
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07/25/2005 02:53:58 PM · #5 |
| Darn, 4 seconds too slow :) |
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07/25/2005 02:58:00 PM · #6 |
1. Is it an OS-related password? What OS is it? If it's XP, you can simply reinstall the OS. You won't lose any data files (make sure you don't format, obviously). If it's 2000, you can download a Linux boot disk that will allow you to reset passwords.
2. Is it a BIOS-related password (before Windows boots up)? If so, open up the case and see if you can find a battery (looks like a watch battery). That battery provides trickle flow to the motherboard. Remove it for a minute and put it back in and your clock/password/settings will most likely be reset. |
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07/25/2005 03:06:07 PM · #7 |
Reinstalling the OS is asking for trouble unless you're an experienced user. For a start I've had Win2k/XP trample over user Documents & Settings in the past, even though I know what I'm doing.
If at all possible take the machine to someone that knows what they're doing.
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07/25/2005 03:06:17 PM · #8 |
There's a program we use at work called ERD Commander.
If you have a win NT, 2000, XP system it will boot up from the CD, you then use a program to reset your admin password to whatever you want. Very easy to use, only about 10 steps to it!
PM me...
There is also a linux boot disk that you can also get, can't remember what the name of it is etc, but that's another one to use (Not that easy to use though)
Message edited by author 2005-07-25 15:07:11. |
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07/25/2005 03:09:00 PM · #9 |
windows xp
hp dv1000
yes, it asks for password After windows opens.
It gives me a hint....May 11....which is his daughters birthday (1996) but I haven't figured it out yet.
Thanks, David
ps, I will look for the systems disks...he bought pc new so they should be around somewhere.
Message edited by author 2005-07-25 15:10:38.
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07/25/2005 03:09:47 PM · #10 |
Ok, I don't know squat about passwords, restoration, OS'es or any of that. BUT have you tried clicking cancel when the screen comes up?
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07/25/2005 03:12:25 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by karmat:
Ok, I don't know squat about passwords, restoration, OS'es or any of that. BUT have you tried clicking cancel when the screen comes up?
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I'm having the same problem and the cancel doesn't work :( I just bought an external harddrive case, plugged the harddrive up to an available usb port and can read/transfer files from it.
Message edited by author 2005-07-25 15:13:21.
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07/25/2005 03:13:05 PM · #12 |
Originally posted by PaulMdx:
Reinstalling the OS is asking for trouble unless you're an experienced user. For a start I've had Win2k/XP trample over user Documents & Settings in the past, even though I know what I'm doing.
If at all possible take the machine to someone that knows what they're doing. |
I completely agree... An easy suggestion (at least i've done it with desktops is to remove the hard drive and set it up as a slave in another PC) From there you can browse the entire file system without the need to log in. |
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07/25/2005 03:17:08 PM · #13 |
| OK try going into the safe mode and see if it goes around the password since its a windows password. When booting up press F8 until you here it beep. You will have a choice of safe mode-command prompt and safe mode-windows. First try windows if that don't work try command prompt. It will give you access to the files on the computer and you can read them using the edit command in most cases. Assuming you are wanting to find the message he said he had written for the family. Hope that helps. |
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07/25/2005 03:20:12 PM · #14 |
sounds simple but is there a " guest " logon option?
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07/25/2005 03:22:29 PM · #15 |
The ERD Commander option is a pretty good one, but I'm pretty sure it costs money.
Try this link and see if it helps solve your problem (read down a little bit for 5 free password cracking options).
Message edited by author 2005-07-25 15:24:13. |
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07/25/2005 03:25:07 PM · #16 |
Tried the daughters name. full name (middle included). her name backwards, the full name backwards. all the combos of the first middle and last? worth a shot
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07/25/2005 03:36:39 PM · #17 |
try her numeric DOB too
maybe the password hint was meant to be obvious |
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07/25/2005 03:44:49 PM · #18 |
Also try any nicknames she may go by, as well as anything he may ever have said about her birth or birthday, such as "miracle", "blessedday", and so on. I know people who use similar passwords, so it may be worth "wracking your brain" for.
Good Luck! |
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07/25/2005 05:43:51 PM · #19 |
Success!!!! Thanks for all youse guys help! The f8 allowed me access and allowed me to reset password. Thanks again, You are a great bunch of people. David...ps..I found no message but there is another pc at his home to have a look at.
Originally posted by SDW65:
OK try going into the safe mode and see if it goes around the password since its a windows password. When booting up press F8 until you here it beep. You will have a choice of safe mode-command prompt and safe mode-windows. First try windows if that don't work try command prompt. It will give you access to the files on the computer and you can read them using the edit command in most cases. Assuming you are wanting to find the message he said he had written for the family. Hope that helps. |
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