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pc logon password reset???

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hi me ex bought a second hand pc tower screen etc off a so called friend for my daughters to use. It doesnt have genuine windows on it. All was fine for a week but somehow its now coming up with the guy's name and requesting a password in order to use the pc. The ex has rang and spoke to the guy who has given 2 alternatives of what the password could be but he swears blind he wiped everything off the pc and hard drive before selling it. THE 2 PASSWORDS DO NOT WORK SO THEREFORE CANNOT USE THE COMPUTER!!!

he's also suggested to re-install the none genuine windows (he's says he's given me the disk but he hasnt) BUT it just gets better as the CD DVD drive doesnt work. I have a spare but if i cant gain access to the pc itself how can i download the driver for the CD DVD writer thing..



is it possible to reset or erase the password via the bios screen? i've no idea how the girls have managed to get the passwrod re activated or anything, they only go on the pc to play games

Comments

  • cit_k
    cit_k Posts: 24,812 Forumite
    I would ask for a refund, and buy one of ebay with legitimate windows with working components....
    [greenhighlight]but it matters when the most senior politician in the land is happy to use language and examples that are simply not true.
    [/greenhighlight][redtitle]
    The impact of this is to stigmatise people on benefits,
    and we should be deeply worried about that
    [/redtitle](house of lords debate, talking about Cameron)
  • SPANIEL36
    SPANIEL36 Posts: 1,905 Forumite
    probably going to be best, he only paid £50 for the lot anyway and can still use the screen, keyboard, mouse etc
  • fwor
    fwor Posts: 6,862 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    You can reset any of the Windows passwords with the following utility:

    http://pogostick.net/~pnh/ntpasswd/

    Although it was originally created for NT, it works fine right through to Vista. I've used it myself several times.

    Note, unlike some other utilities, it does not attempt to crack the existing passwords and tell you what they are - it simply overwrites them.

    BTW, before you change the CD drive, check for errors in Device Manager as it may just be a driver problem.
  • Atasas
    Atasas Posts: 753 Forumite
    there is also tool called erd commander (live cd) would help with load of related issues!
  • Altahost
    Altahost Posts: 115 Forumite
    Hi, have you tried starting in safe mode and using the Administrator account to change or delete the user password.

    The administrator account is seldom pass protected.

    Reboot your PC dabbing the F8 Key til prompted to start in safe mode.

    When WIN logon starts up you should see see Administrator as a login.

    When in Admin. Go to control panel then users and click the account you want to modify and either remove or delete the password
    Computers are like me, I get up in the morning and work...until I stop.
  • SPANIEL36 wrote: »
    hi me ex bought a second hand pc tower screen etc off a so called friend for my daughters to use. It doesnt have genuine windows on it. All was fine for a week but somehow its now coming up with the guy's name and requesting a password in order to use the pc. The ex has rang and spoke to the guy who has given 2 alternatives of what the password could be but he swears blind he wiped everything off the pc and hard drive before selling it. THE 2 PASSWORDS DO NOT WORK SO THEREFORE CANNOT USE THE COMPUTER!!!

    he's also suggested to re-install the none genuine windows (he's says he's given me the disk but he hasnt) BUT it just gets better as the CD DVD drive doesnt work. I have a spare but if i cant gain access to the pc itself how can i download the driver for the CD DVD writer thing..



    is it possible to reset or erase the password via the bios screen? i've no idea how the girls have managed to get the passwrod re activated or anything, they only go on the pc to play games

    Here is a tutorial to reset the password;
    http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/change-your-forgotten-windows-password-with-the-linux-system-rescue-cd/
    My advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience.
  • SPANIEL36
    SPANIEL36 Posts: 1,905 Forumite
    many thanks people i will try in the morning and let you now how i get on!!
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