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Lost password on old Dell OptiPlex running Windows 2000 Bypass suggestions?

Tags: Operating Systems, Security, Windows

Got an old Dell OptiPlex GX100 running Windows 2000 at a yard sale. Tired of trying to figure out the Admin password. Does anyone know any way to bypass/clear the Admin password?

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Reply To: Lost password on old Dell OptiPlex running Windows 2000 Bypass suggestions?

In reply to Lost password on old Dell OptiPlex running Windows 2000 Bypass suggestions?

This process is in place to help prevent people from stealing and using computers for a good reason. I am certain it can be done, but it won’t be quick or easy.

No problem.

In reply to Lost password on old Dell OptiPlex running Windows 2000 Bypass suggestions?

Go ahead and reinstall Windows 2000. Last time I did this it took 10 minutes, maybe less.

Re: reinstall

In reply to No problem.

I’m afraid he doesn’t know the license key and doesn’t have a Windows 2000 install disc either. Then it’s kind of impossible to follow your good suggestion.

I even doubt if a current 32-bit version of Linux will run nicely on this laptop. My first PC with XP (which appeared 2 years later) had 500 MB RAM, and this laptop is unlikely to have much more.

Old W2000 media and keys

In reply to Re: reinstall

Are all over Ebay and more. As to Linux there are versions for such old hardware.

HOWEVER they are very annoying that all the 32 bit versions are losing or have lost access to current browsers.

Why this matters: A lot changed over the years as the web moved from HTTP to almost 100% HTTPS and then HTTPS was further secured. This required changes to the OS and browsers.

-> At this point I consider 32 bit hardware to be E-Waste or at best, museum items.

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