Password unknown

Using windows 9X,you can click the Cancel button or X to close the window and proceed
If this is a cmos password,open the case and locate the cmos battery and remove for 0ne minute and reinsert.
You already know the other option to re-install windows

If this is an NT or 2000 box go to this site and get the bootdisk--http://home.eunet.no/~pnordahl/ntpasswd/

It is a Linux boot disk that can crack Windows Passwords.

You are unclear whether it was a windows password or a power-on password. If it is a power-on password, then soulrider is correct in removing and replacing the cmos battery, but only if you do not have a jumper that will clear the cmos, or password.Look at the motherboard to see if there is a clear cmos jumper. make sure that the power is off prior to opening your case and that you are grounded prior to working inside the computers case. Change the jumper, and depending on the manufacturer wait several seconds and return the jumper to the original location. Reboot your system and the power-on password should be cleared. If it is a windows password again soulrider is correct, if it is a windows 98/95 OS. You can then edit the system.ini file and delete the lines with user names immediately under [Password Lists]. After you reboot your computer, if you do not want to be asked for a password, do not type anything in the password box.

I am not sure as to the type of password, I think it is user generated. It is an older computer with the battery soldered on. I am now being told that I need to remove a jumper and attach an external battery. I do not know how to do this, but will try. I am in agreement with the 1st answer, so will assign credit to it for lack of other choices. I also feel this is the answer but HP did not design the computer in order that one could repair it this way.

Thank you