new computer

[Floppy Hat]

I have inherited a computer that is windows XP. However, I don't know
the Password. Is there anyway I can bypass this? Thanks,

Heather

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I have inherited a computer that is windows XP. However, I don't know
the Password. Is there anyway I can bypass this? Thanks,

In my view it doesn't matter, since if I inherited, was given, or bought, a
used computer, the first thing I would do with it would be to reinstall the
operating system cleanly. You have no idea how the computer has been
maintained, what has been installed incorrectly, what is missing, what
viruses and spyware there may be, etc. I wouldn't want to live with somebody
else's mistakes and problems, possibility of kiddie porn, etc., and I
wouldn't recommend that anyone else do either.

 

[Ricky]

See if this helps..
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/321305/en-us

 

[POP]

I have inherited a computer that is windows XP. However, I
don't know the Password. Is there anyway I can bypass this?
Thanks,

Heather

Ricky gave you the only functional advice that will work, but it
depends on your knowing at least one of the passwords. It
doesn't sound like you know any passwords, so I don't believe
that will help you.

There IS a possibility that the Safe Mode Adminstrative password
was left blank, so if that's the case you might be able to get in
that way and change the accounts so you can get access.

That's the good Now for the bad news, but not all the
If you don't have the passwords, and passwords have been set
up, you will have to go out and buy a new version of XP or
whatever operating system you want to use.
Did you get ALL of the CDs and documentation that goes with the
computer? If so, look for a CD or floppy names "Password Reset".
If that's not there, then look for the XP Install CD, put it in
the drive, and turn the computer on; it will boot from the CD.
Press a key when told to.
If that's not there either, you could call the place that sold
the computer originally, and give them the serial number and
product key on it, and they might be able to help you or at least
suggest whether to call Microsoft or not.

When all those fail, you're left with buying your own license for
the software and installing it anew.

Brief description, but that's what it amounts to. There ARE ways
to illegally get around the missing passwords, but you may never
be able to update or repair the computer in the future, and that
may happen soon with a used computer which you have no idea of
what's on it or what's working or not working.

HTH
Pop

 

[Patrick Keenan]

I have inherited a computer that is windows XP. However, I don't know
the Password. Is there anyway I can bypass this? Thanks,

Heather

Try booting in Safe Mode, and try logging onto the Administrator account
with no password (just click on the account, or press Enter). Once in, to
to Control Panel, Users, and remove passwords or create a new account for
yourself and remove the others.

If that doesn't work, your options are pretty much limited to these:

1) use another machine to locate and create a copy of a password removal
tool. These are often based on Linux boot CDs. This approach takes a
moderate amount of skill. Note that if the XP version is Pro, this action
can permanently prevent access to specific data particularly if encryption
was invoked.

2) Use an XP CD to reinstall, starting with formatting the drive. A repair
install won't change the passwords and so will not help you.

HTH
-pk

 

[Floppy Hat]

Try booting in Safe Mode, and try logging onto the Administrator account
with no password (just click on the account, or press Enter). Once in, to
to Control Panel, Users, and remove passwords or create a new account for
yourself and remove the others.

If that doesn't work, your options are pretty much limited to these:

1) use another machine to locate and create a copy of a password removal
tool. These are often based on Linux boot CDs. This approach takes a
moderate amount of skill. Note that if the XP version is Pro, this action
can permanently prevent access to specific data particularly if encryption
was invoked.

2) Use an XP CD to reinstall, starting with formatting the drive. A repair
install won't change the passwords and so will not help you.

HTH
-pk

Thanks to everyone who provided help and advice,

Heather