Forgotten password log on, any help?
 

I can't log on to my laptop and I have no idea why. I password protected it after getting tired of my 14 yo IMing all the time. I use the same password for other log ons and have done so successfully until last night. I have no idea why I can't now. How do you correct this? I have the re-installation CD and have tried ways mentioned to bypass the log on, but so far unsuccessful (It eventually asks for a log on). MS suggests reinstalling the operating system. Any other ideas?:(

IF its the operating system that asks for the password, try starting the windows in fail safe mode. If it is an XP, it should show Administrator user when starting up. Log in with it and remove the password.

Maybe with the newer improved security features this is disabled. Safe mode asks for the log on. I tried! Thanks.

Any other thoughts? I'm suspecting one of my kids changed it and now doesn't know it either. Seems the only true way is reloading the operatings system. Yuck!:(

http://www.petri.co.il/forgot_administrator_password.htm

Good place to start.

We have a linux boot disk that we made that allows us to view the password. If someone has syskeyed the box, we can't view it, only change it.

There is a program on the market, that will allow you to "begin" a re-install. But instead runs an unlock program which allows you to change the admin program WITHOUT actually re-installing the OS.

It's not cheap, but is well worth it. I used to use it alot on 2K system when I was still a sysadmin and clients had brain farts!

http://www.lostpassword.com/windows-xp-2000-nt.htm

-Nick

ERD Commander.

+1000.

I've used this many, many times at work. It never fails, works every time! :)

Randy

Ditto on ERD.

I've got a copy of this in my collection of hacki....er, uh....SUPPORT applications.

Let me know if you want a copy.

Thanks guys. I just got frustrated and reinstalled the operating system after formatting the drive. It is odd how windows won't let you access a secure system but you can just go ahead and delete the whole thing! It gave me a good excuse to clean it out and reinstall new drivers. Once I got the wireless connected it was easy. (after about 3 hours of windows updated:( )