I bought a computer from a pun shop and I cant get into it. Is there a way I can override the password?

Question

Who ever had the computer put the password in and I don't know it and I can't download or get on the internet because I don't know the old password. Please help me. I cant afford another computer and my kids really need a computer to help with their homework. I called someone that works on computers and they told to keep hitting the F8 key and go from there but that didnt work.

Answer 1

may have to re-install windows

Answer 2

Chuck is right. We need to know if you get the password when you first turn it on. This is a bios password. This can be reset by changing jumpers. The bios password comes up on a black screen with white text.

If it's windows it will be on the blue screen (for XP) or in a more user friendly environment.

Did you get software with this computer (physical disks)? If your running XP and you DID get the software (and the password you need to get rid of is in windows, not the bios) Use these steps. I know they work and it's safer than using a downloaded program to crack your password. If you don't have the software on CD, then you can't do the next 12 steps. This only works with windows XP! If you have 2000 or 98 you won't be able to do this (I've tried)

1. Place your Windows XP CD in your cd-rom and start your computer (it’s assumed here that your XP CD is bootable – as it should be - and that you have your bios set to boot from CD)

2. Keep your eye on the screen messages for booting to your cd Typically, it will be “Press any key to boot from cd”

3. Once you get in, the first screen will indicate that Setup is inspecting your system and loading files.

4. When you get to the Welcome to Setup screen, press ENTER to Setup Windows now

5. The Licensing Agreement comes next - Press F8 to accept it.

6. The next screen is the Setup screen which gives you the option to do a Repair.

It should read something like “If one of the following Windows XP installations is damaged, Setup can try to repair it”

Use the up and down arrow keys to select your XP installation (if you only have one, it should already be selected) and press R to begin the Repair process.

7. Let the Repair run. Setup will now check your disks and then start copying files which can take several minutes.

8. Shortly after the Copying Files stage, you will be required to reboot. (this will happen automatically – you will see a progress bar stating “Your computer will reboot in 15 seconds”

9. During the reboot, do not make the mistake of “pressing any key” to boot from the CD again! Setup will resume automatically with the standard billboard screens and you will notice Installing Windows is highlighted.

10. Keep your eye on the lower left hand side of the screen and when you see the Installing Devices progress bar, press SHIFT + F10. This is the security hole! A command console will now open up giving you the potential for wide access to your system.

11. Now simply pick the account you need to change and remove or change your password as you prefer. If you want to log on without having to enter your new password, you can type control userpasswords2 at the prompt and choose to log on without being asked for password. After you’ve made your changes close the windows, exit the command box and continue on with the Repair (have your Product key handy).

12. Once the Repair is done, you will be able to log on with your new password (or without a password if you chose not to use one or if you chose not to be asked for a password). Your programs and personalized settings should remain intact.

Answer 3

If the password is on the BIOS, then you will probably need to physically reset the BIOS settings, which you will need to open up your computer to do. I recommend having someone who knows what they are doing for this part. There is a manual reset that must be shorted out after removing the memory battery. This will delete the password. The specifics vary with your motherboard though, so you really do need to ask someone to do it for you.

Answer 4

Well that a real tuffy if. Does when you start it up does it go to a thing that says user name password and at the bottom of the window it has cancel and options??? If it is where you go to turn it on and it says password your not going to get though it sorry to say but if its the user name and that just press cancel ... hope that helps a little bit

Answer 5

question, is the password requested when you first start pc or in windows? (two different solutions)

If it is when you first turn it on, please give pc make (compaq, HP , etc.)

If the password is in windows, what version of windows?

Most windows OS will work with F8 and start in safe mode, then follow these steps here:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/321305

YOU MUST PRESS F8 prior to WINDOWS STARTING UP, PRESS EVERY 3 -4 SECONDS TO MAKE SURE YOU DO IT RIGHT

I little known Windows XP work around exists here: http://pubs.logicalexpressions.com/pub0009/LPMArticle.asp?ID=305