I'm using a old windows 98 PC and when i switch it on it asks for a password?

Question

but i don't know the pass so i click cancel and it takes me into windows 98, i was wondering if im losing out on any thing by not having this password? plus how do i change the background on my screen when it asking me for the password, is this password needed if not how do i remove it . thanks

Answer 1

whoever originally installed the windows 98 on your p.c didnt use a password and clicked cancel
this ,as you allready know means you only have to click cancel to enter 98,but it can become annoying after a while
go to start>control panel>users>and either add a password or delete the account,this should leave just the administrator account on the p.c and it should just run straight into the windows 98 desktop
you dont lose out on anything by using a password,unless someone had set up a seperate user account,but this would appear at the password screen so this isnt a problem
windows 98 had a pretty basic user account and it was quite unsecure,windows xp and vista have much more secure user accounts
good luck

Answer 2

The password will give you administrator priviliges. If you can live without changing any of the machine's basic settings on the 'Control Panel' (including the background wallpaper) then you're probably not missing much.

There are utilities for recovering lost passwords. These will either tell you the password or will re-set it to OFF. Sometimes they're provided on the monthly discs of the computer magazines (start looking at them in your newsagent).
You can Google for them but PLEASE be careful and Remove any sensitive material from your hard disc before downloading one of these; and then scan you machine with up to date anti-virus, anti-trojan program Before using it again.

Personally, I'd take it to a local independent computer dealer/workshop (there are usually ones advertised in your local paper) who will do the job safely for you for about £20.

These people are always knowlegable enthusiasts who either work from home or have really small well cluttered shops. Get to know your man and befriend him. When you have any PC problems he wil be your best friend. He'll also talk you through proper use and safety precautions.
PC World will do it too but their minimum charge is more like £50.

Answer 3

the password is basically so no-one can get on your pc so you are not missing out on anything. when windows was first loaded you would have been asked if you wanted your pc password protected so this must have been done. i cant remeber if there is a way to cancel this without loading windows again. as for changing your background pic, right click anywhere on the desktop and then select properties. i dont think you need password for this. sorry....its been ages since i used win98 but im sure this is correct. im also sure someone will correct me if im wrong.

Answer 4

It sounds like a Bios Password which needs to be cleared . Its fairly simple to do by either moving a jumper or resetting a the BIOS manually. I am not going to type it all out. just click on the link I am certain it will cover your PC. I have never failed to resolve BIOS password problems since I read the info on this site

If it just the Windows pasasword then
to bypass the login prompt, just hit the ESC button.

To remove the login requirement, click on your START button, then select SETTINGS then CONTROL PANEL. Next, click on the NETWORK icon.

Change "Primary Network Logon" to "Windows Logon".

Also, delete any files in c:\windows that end in .pwl.

A quick way to do this is to go to a DOS prompt and type: cd\windows
then type: erase *.pwl
then type: exit

If the box comes up again the next time your restart your computer, simply click on the "OK" button without entering anything under name or password. You shouldn't see it again.

I hope this helps!

Answer 5

Clicking cancel does not lose out on any files or anything. You can remove the password by going to Start---->Control panel---> users

You should be able to remove the password or change it if you like.

Answer 6

thats because you are using an old computer which still remembers your long ago password and you cant remember it my sister has a laptop which needs a password