used computer password

[computerless]

I have been given a used computer but do not have the password to use it. Is
there anyway that I can change it or get around it. The computer is a Hytech
computer and I know nothing about it. Please help if you can for my Mom is
wanting her own computer?

 

[Gordon]

I have been given a used computer but do not have the password to use it.
Is
there anyway that I can change it or get around it. The computer is a
Hytech
computer and I know nothing about it. Please help if you can for my Mom
is
wanting her own computer?

As with any second hand machine - as you state - you know nothing about it.
Format the HDD and re-install the Operating System from scratch. That's your
best option.

 

[Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]]

I have been given a used computer but do not have the password to use
it. Is there anyway that I can change it or get around it. The
computer is a Hytech computer and I know nothing about it. Please
help if you can for my Mom is wanting her own computer?

Actually, the password should be the least of your concerns when you get a
used computer. The best course of action is to get a copy of Windows XP
media (I'd hope you got this with the computer, but if not, you can buy
one....) and do a clean install of Windows. Do not use the computer as is -
you need to format/reinstall the OS to ensure that you know & control
exactly what's on it.

See http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html for more help.

That all being said, you could reset the password as per
http://home.eunet.no/pnordahl/ntpasswd/ if Administrator and a blank
password don't work (in XP Home you need to use Safe Mode to access
that).But the above advice to wipe/reinstall is worth heeding. You never
know what's lurking on a used computer.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I have been given a used computer but do not have the password to use it. Is
there anyway that I can change it or get around it. The computer is a Hytech
computer and I know nothing about it. Please help if you can for my Mom is
wanting her own computer?

If the person from whom you obtained the computer cannot give you
the passwords, (and the installation CDs for the OS and any other
software installed), you'd be wise to immediately check with the
appropriate law enforcement agencies to ensure that you hasn't
inadvertently acquired stolen property.

Anyway, it's a moot point. With second-hand computers, perhaps
even if acquired from a family member or friend, but *especially* if
acquired from a stranger, the wisest course of action would definitely
be to format the hard drives and start fresh. She doesn't want to get
in trouble because the original owner may have filled the hard drive
with kiddie porn, or have problems because the original owner
downloaded/installed viruses or other malware.


--

Bruce Chambers

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