used computer password

[Guest computerless]

I have been given a used computer but do not have the password to use it. Is

there anyway that I can change it or get around it. The computer is a Hytech

computer and I know nothing about it. Please help if you can for my Mom is

wanting her own computer?

[Guest Gordon]

Re: used computer password

 

"computerless" <computerless@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:DF9ED94E-F90A-40CB-BA75-28D1456D69BD@microsoft.com...

>I have been given a used computer but do not have the password to use it.

>Is

> there anyway that I can change it or get around it. The computer is a

> Hytech

> computer and I know nothing about it. Please help if you can for my Mom

> is

> wanting her own computer?

 

 

As with any second hand machine - as you state - you know nothing about it.

Format the HDD and re-install the Operating System from scratch. That's your

best option.

[Guest Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]]

Re: used computer password

 

computerless <computerless@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

> I have been given a used computer but do not have the password to use

> it. Is there anyway that I can change it or get around it. The

> computer is a Hytech computer and I know nothing about it. Please

> help if you can for my Mom is wanting her own computer?

 

Actually, the password should be the least of your concerns when you get a

used computer. The best course of action is to get a copy of Windows XP

media (I'd hope you got this with the computer, but if not, you can buy

one....) and do a clean install of Windows. Do not use the computer as is -

you need to format/reinstall the OS to ensure that you know & control

exactly what's on it.

 

See http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html for more help.

 

That all being said, you could reset the password as per

http://home.eunet.no/pnordahl/ntpasswd/ if Administrator and a blank

password don't work (in XP Home you need to use Safe Mode to access

that).But the above advice to wipe/reinstall is worth heeding. You never

know what's lurking on a used computer.

[Guest Bruce Chambers]

Re: used computer password

 

computerless wrote:

> I have been given a used computer but do not have the password to use it. Is

> there anyway that I can change it or get around it. The computer is a Hytech

> computer and I know nothing about it. Please help if you can for my Mom is

> wanting her own computer?

 

 

If the person from whom you obtained the computer cannot give you

the passwords, (and the installation CDs for the OS and any other

software installed), you'd be wise to immediately check with the

appropriate law enforcement agencies to ensure that you hasn't

inadvertently acquired stolen property.

 

Anyway, it's a moot point. With second-hand computers, perhaps

even if acquired from a family member or friend, but *especially* if

acquired from a stranger, the wisest course of action would definitely

be to format the hard drives and start fresh. She doesn't want to get

in trouble because the original owner may have filled the hard drive

with kiddie porn, or have problems because the original owner

downloaded/installed viruses or other malware.

 

 

--

 

Bruce Chambers

 

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