how do I delete administrative password in Win 2000 professional?

[Guest]

How do I change an administrative password in windows 2000 professional, when
I don't know what the original password was? I own a compaq laptop Armada
7400, which my wife picked up from the salvation army. I want to be able to
lockup the computer while using it for work but without knowing the password
or being able to change the user and password I'm afraid I'll never be able
to use . Right now it is usable but i cant password protect it without being
an administrator.
Can someone please help me?

 

[Roger Abell [MVP]]

You should reinstall the operating system.
If you do not have the disks for the OS then the laptop was
not really sold legally with an OS installed, as the media is
supposed to be transferred with a functioning install of it.
Using an install of which you know none of the history is a
recipe for eventual disaster, as you have no idea what is on
it or may be doing. However, if you have a floppy then for
W2k Pro there are programs that will zap the admin password
to a known value.

 

[Galen]

In Roger Abell [MVP] <[email protected]> had this to say:

My reply is at the bottom of your sent message:

You should reinstall the operating system.
If you do not have the disks for the OS then the laptop was
not really sold legally with an OS installed, as the media is
supposed to be transferred with a functioning install of it.
Using an install of which you know none of the history is a
recipe for eventual disaster, as you have no idea what is on
it or may be doing. However, if you have a floppy then for
W2k Pro there are programs that will zap the admin password
to a known value.

I'll save you a search:

The afore mentioned password zapping would be linked to (with some info)
here:

Password Problems :
http://kgiii.info/windows/2k-XP/security/password_problems.html

Galen
--

"You know that a conjurer gets no credit when once he has explained his
trick; and if I show you too much of my method of working, you will
come to the conclusion that I am a very ordinary individual after all."

Sherlock Holmes