The computer is now unused for three years and I want to sell it on eBay, but first I need to get in and change the password, etc. it's prob not woth more than $100 by now but I would love suggestions?
2006-09-05 14:55:56 · 12 answers · asked by bnelson22_2000 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
Depending on what version of windows you are talking about, there could be a built-in administrator account.
If you have XP and you use the logon screen where all the users are listed, administrator wont be on the list. So just press ctrl+alt+del and logon as "administrator" if you are the one who installed the windows and never set a password for admin (which is a bad habit btw) you might be able to login without any pwd at all. If not, you can trace back who installed the OS, that person might remember what the admin pwd was.
2006-09-05 15:03:29 · answer #1 · answered by kevinrtx 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OMG once again, we have a metric assload of people giving advice about which they know nothing... First of all, the guy telling you to sell your computer for $150 bucks doesn't even know what you have! That would be like me telling you to sell your car for $20 when I don't know what it is, shape, etc even if it's a Rolls Royce! Pay close attention now: Do you have Windows 2000 or XP? Or does it have Windows 95/98/Me? If it's XP or 2000, you will have to use the original CD and reformat the hard drive and reinstall. There is another way to get in, but it involves elements too complicated to explain here. If the original Administrator account has a blank password, you can try using the username Administrator and then leaving password empty. If that doesn't work, reformat it. You should reformat it and wipe everything as suggested by a couple of others anyway. If you choose to reinstall the OS, keep in mind that you won't be able to use the license key again on another computer, as that is in violation of Microsoft's End User License Agreement and considered software piracy. If it's 95/98/Me, then simply click CANCEL when the password prompt shows up for you to log into Windows.
This IS the most correct, efficient, and proper way of handling this, trust me, I've done it for 10 years for a living.
Hope this helps, and good luck on your auction. Email me if you have any questions.
2006-09-05 22:21:42 · answer #2 · answered by Rodney L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are selling the computer on e-bay, you do NOT want to get in and change the password. You want to format the hard drive and do a clean reinstall of the version of Windows that came with the computer. Otherwise you will be selling the person on e-bay all your personal information, old emails, credit card numbers, passwords, etc. along with the computer.
Do not sell the computer with first wiping the hard drive at the very least.
2006-09-05 22:00:02 · answer #3 · answered by dewcoons 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Restart and press F8 immediately. This will bring up Safe Mode. If the Administrator account hasn't been password protected, you can get in this way. Then go to Start > Control Panel > User Account and reset your password.
If this doesn't work, locate a motherboard manual for your computer. This will show you where the CMOS jumper is on the motherboard and give you instructions for reseting the CMOS. This will clear all passwords.
2006-09-05 22:03:13 · answer #4 · answered by r_moulton76 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to call your computer company and get your password changed and get into your computer. By the way, i think you should sell your computer for about $150
2006-09-05 21:57:58 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contact with IT experts. There is a master password in it which opens the window. Otherwise you have to remove the battery in motherbord and your password will be removed.
2006-09-05 22:00:01 · answer #6 · answered by rzn_880 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well if it's WinXP you can just go in and do SystemRecovery
Restart Computer
HIT F10 unitl something pops up
Follow Instructions
RAY
2006-09-05 21:58:33 · answer #7 · answered by Raymond B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hit F2 on startup and reformat the hard drive - let them take it from there.
2006-09-05 21:58:24 · answer #8 · answered by fresh2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
what is the hint for your password and go from there... that is why writting things down is a good thing...
2006-09-05 22:02:14 · answer #9 · answered by bluedanube69 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
through the back door
2006-09-05 21:57:58 · answer #10 · answered by Azul 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋