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change or retrieve Windows password

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20 replies

by petsinger

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Hi,

My neighbor just gave me a Dell Dimension XPS R350 to use as a digital video surveillance system.

When Windows first boots up, it asks for a password, and he had no idea what his deceased mother-in-law used.

Is there a way to change or retrieve a Windows password?

I also have a copy of Windows XP I could install. This would start me from scratch.

On this machine, holding down F2 does not cause the system to try to reboot from disc.

Thanks for any help you might give.

John

20 replies

by hal 9000

To write Zero's to every sector of the HDD and then perform a clean install to the system. You'll have to visit the Del Web Site to get all the drivers but this shouldn't present to much of a problem.

Boot & Nuke is available from here

http://tinyurl.com/4rfur

Col

by petsinger

Thanks for the thought.
Since I can't even get into the computer's software, Ii've copied a couple of password retrieval programs, and although the CD player says it's "busy," by the time the computer recognizes the keyboard and mouse, it always asks for a password.

I've heard a lot of talk about starting in "safe mode" but can't even get that far.

by markmcgraffin

if it is already running xp cant you just start it in safe mode? then you will get the choice of going into the admin account and being able to change passwords to your hearts content?

by petsinger

Thanks for responding.
I believe the computer is running Windows 2000 or NT. I have an Xp disc I could install, but I'd rather NOT start all over again.
The screen says to start setup, press DEL, but that doesn't do anything.
How would I start in "safe mode"?
Once there, how do I get to admin account?

Thanks again.

John

by hal 9000

Before the Windows Splash Screen appears.

If that doesn't work hit the power switch while the Windows Splash Screen is on and turn off the system. After you do this a few times you should get the option of choosing how you want to start the unit but make sure that if you start it in [b]Safe Mode[/b] Never connect this to anything like a LAN or the Internet as there are no programs running to protect the system.

If you are seeing a Windows 2000 NT Splash Screen you have some version of Windows 2000 installed and most likely the workstation version so you should have Windows 2000 Pro installed on the computer.

Col

by petsinger

Col,

THANKS for that info.
You're a pal for even trying.

F8 did not work, but this has possibilities.
Once in safe mode, how do I get rid of the password?
I will try it soon.
I sure hope it works.
I hate to see a good computer wasted.

John

by tig2

Try using a couple of things. Try leaving the password blank and just hitting return. She may have never set a password.

Try using her name in the password field. Remember that passwords are case sensitive. Try things like firstname and firstname lastname, also Firstname and FirstnameLastname.

F9 or F10 may also get you to safe mode. Go to the Administrator account.

Good luck!

by petsinger

Safe mode never did come up.

The screen says to hit "delete" to enter setup, but it never gets that far.

I tried F1, F8, F9, & F10

No go.

by tig2

I am guessing my tail off here. I can't see what you see so I am totally stumped.

Let it go through to the login. Then try a few of the dodges I mentioned. Then let's talk.

You may have to "toast and ghost". But we can at least try.

by petsinger

Hi and thanks for your input.

Yesterday, I called DELL and they told me they might be able to help me if I had at least the name, address, and phone number of the purchaser at time of purchase. I asked my neighbor for that info by email yesterday.

What happens is this: As soon as I turn on the machine, the blank screen begins recognizing the keyboard, mouse, and CD player. At the bottom of the screen, it says "Press delete to enter setup." As I'm pressing delete, it says it's going into setup mode, but doesn't, and a small blue box appears, asking for the password.

Granted, I'm no computer genius, and I doubt that the little old lady who used it before knew how to put in a password there.

Thanks for your help.

by hal 9000

Does it?

If so that's the problem as the USB Drivers are not loaded till much latter so you're only option here is to kill off the boot process with the main power Switch and do this a couple of times though that doesn't guarantee that the Keyboard will work to make any changes once you get the screen up to make a choice.

There where some M'Boards that only had USB Ports on them and no PS2 ports and they where impossible to actually use as the USB Keyboard wasn't working when it came time to enter in the Product Key during the Windows Install. Or for that matter tell the unit what you wanted at the very early stages like to format the HDD.

You might like to try a Goggle Search for Passwords Hacks for XP and see what comes up.

OH BTW you have to remember to breath while pushing the [b]F8[/b] key that will stop you going Blue in the Face. :p

Col

by petsinger

Thanks for the humor.

I even called DELL yesterday, and they told me they MIGHT be able to help if I know the purchaser's name, address, and phone number at time of purchase.

I asked my neighbor for this info yesterday.

What happens is, when I first turn on the machine, it goes through the checking process, and by the time it recognizes the keyboard, mouse, and CD drive, it IMMEDIATELY asks for a password.

They're so simple when they WORK!

by hal 9000

But the people whop sold her this unit placed a BIOS Password into the system to

[b]a[/b] stop her messing it up or

[b]b[/b] requiring her to return it to them for any service work so that they had a constant income being generated by a simple BIOS Password.

Open the case unplug the mains lead and pull the BIOS Battery it should be a round Lithium Battery in a socket somewhere on the M'Board. Actually while you have it out replace it as it's likely to be getting near the end of it's working life. You can buy a replacement one that is coded [b]CR-2032[/b] and replace it with the new one.

Then the next time that you start it up you'll get a Boot Error message telling you that the BIOS is wrong so enter the BIOS reset the Date & Time then exit saving the changes and that part of it will at least work properly.

Col

by hal 9000

http://tinyurl.com/2ja2b8

That just might be the answer to your problem or at the very least it will remove the BIOS Password.

I find that if you don't laugh at the problem children they give you ulcers and as I don't like restricted diets without Chocolate I just need the humour. :0

Col

by bhaskar_js

Hi there...I think u r there in the first boot screen only and not in windows logon screen right??.

if so then it is a boot password and not windows password and it is saved in BIOS and not windows.

u have to open ur PC's cabinet. see the motherboard...there u will find a battery.
just close to the battery, u will find a jumper fitted into two of three pins. just remove the jumper and fit it to the middle and the free pin. boot ur PC once... it will not boot.... now again put ur jumper to its original setting and boot...now ur boot pwd will disapear....

thanks
bhaskar

by emmayu22

This is very easy to do, but rather than explain it all here, I've found two articles that show you exactly how to do it.
This is the easiest method, but for this you need to have the Windows Setup DVD that came with you computer, if not go to the second link.

If you dont have the setup DVDs, then follow this link to fix it. These methods requires a bit more work though, but is just as effective.
You can google to find your best:
http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=WINDOWS+PASSWORD+KEY+8.0&aq=f&aqi=g-p1g9&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=&fp=1&cad=b

by neon samurai

You've no idea what grandma has been up to or unwittingly collected over the years. Especially if it's going into a security roll; just wipe and replace it with your own OEM win licensed install.

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