[Solved] Password Problem

[adam3822]

Can anybody help,

 

I have tried to start my old pc to get hold of some information and pics from it. But i have forgotten my password and am unable to log in. It is unfortunately also the administrator account. Is it possible to do this without losing anything on the hard drive??

[KenB]

But i have forgotten my password and am unable to log in

Hi Adam

I don't suppose you created a password re-set disk ( it would be a memory stick ) ?

 

I can explain how to access the drive to get at your files etc. if you wish.

You will need to take it out and connect it to another machine.

 

If you wish to go down this route please let me know if this is a desktop or laptop.

[adam3822]

Hi Ken,

 

Im afraid I did not I have tried using the command prompt through my sons limited account but it just pings back an error 5 message and will not allow a password change. I have also tried pressing ctl-alt-del twice but the administrator password is not the default blank one. I think this may have been changed in the shop where I had the pc built, which has since closed down :(

[KenB]

Hi Adam

 

You may be able to get access to the drive and your data using either a USB adapter or enclosure.

 

You would need to take the hard drive out ( simple to do ) and connect it to one or other of the above devices.

 

Desktop drives are 3.5 inch

Laptop drives are 2.5 inch.

 

The are 2 options for the type of hard drive too.

SATA is the most common now and the older option is IDE.

click here

 

Let me know exactly what you have and I can point you in the right direction.

[adam3822]

Ok so from my understanding i should connect my hard drive to another pc, set it as the slave drive and then reset the password via the command prompt method from that master hard drive. Does this sound correct??

 

thank you

[KenB]

I see you have been doing a bit of research :)

 

set it as the slave drive

SATA drives do not have this option.

 

reset the password via the command prompt

It is worth a try.

1. Connect it up to another machine using the enclosure or adapter.

 

2. Check in Computer that the drive has a letter - make a note of this.

 

3. Go to command prompt as an Administrator

If using Vista or above ....Start ....type in cmd .... right click on the cmd.exe that shows top left of screen > Run as Administrator.

 

4. type in X: ( ENTER ) where X is the drive letter of your problem drive in Computer

You should see X:\> ( again where X is your drive letter )

 

5. next type net user

You will get a list of user accounts on that drive

 

6. now type net user [your username] * .............there is a space between each

 

7. You will be asked for a password. [ Do this carefully as when I tried it nothing showed up on screen ]

Hit ENTER

 

8. You will be asked to repeat the password.

 

This should be it.

 

Return the drive to the machine and try booting up again.

 

We don't normally help with by-passing passwords but as you are a long-term member I made an exception.

I hope this works for you.

I will delete this post after you reply so that it is not available to others who may not be so honest :)

[adam3822]

Ok i will try it connected to another pc tonight. Unfortunately it is only windows xp pro. But still i will give it a try thanks for your help with this (fingers crossed)

[KenB]

If it is an XP machine you are connecting to .....

Start > cmd > ENTER will take you to the command prompt

 

This assumes that you are logging in with an Admin account.

[adam3822]

Thanks Ken, issue has now been resolved.

[KenB]

Hi Adam

Thanks for getting back.

 

issue has now been resolved.

Did the command prompt fix work for you - or did you use something else ?

 

Note - I have made the command prompt instructions invisible to all users except staff :)