Computer problem question

[cactusrat]

Okay, your not going to believe me when I say it’s my neighbor that has a computer problem. He's 70 years old and think a young pup like me (at 55) knows all about today's new-fangled gadgets.

So here's the problem.

When turning on the computer it ask for a password before windows 7 (desk top) will load up. It says the computer is locked.

I have tried his password that was used when he first set up the computer ( I should say I set it up)  with no luck. I tried different spellings (misspelling) of the word. Cap locks. User name.

The question is;

Is there any way to by-pass or reset the password or to unlock it?

I just thought of something. I haven't tried the ctrl-alt-del keys to bring up the task manager. Would that key combo work before windows (desk top) boots up?

Thank you for any ideals.

If it was me having the problem, I would just go out and buy a new computer. I hate figuring computers out.

[ezman604]

There's a couple of suggestions I can give. There are password recovery programs you can use. Here's one as an example.
http://windowspasswordsrecovery.com/

One other suggestion would be to attempt a restore back to a date before the login started failing. When you boot the computer, hit F8 constantly to get to the option screen. Then select restore from there.

Try these and let us know.
Happy Shooting!!!!
Dave
 

[cactusrat]

There's a couple of suggestions I can give. There are password recovery programs you can use. Here's one as an example.
http://windowspasswordsrecovery.com/

One other suggestion would be to attempt a restore back to a date before the login started failing. When you boot the computer, hit F8 constantly to get to the option screen. Then select restore from there.

Try these and let us know.
Happy Shooting!!!!
Dave
 

Thanks Dave


I clicked on the restore data button and got asked for a disk. Naturally he doesn’t have a back up disk. Now to find a recovery program.

Looks like you had a great thanksgiving with the grandkids.

[Bentong]

Have you tried "password" as password, most manufacturer use that as default PW. If that don't work and if it's the BIOS, you can remove the battery and let it drain for 30minutes and it will revert to factory setting or if you can see the reset jumper, just do it from there to clear the BIOS password.

[mr007s]

Ask.com gave me this:


•Log in to your computer using an account that has administrative privileges. Click the Windows "Start" button and select "Control Panel." Click the link labeled "User Accounts and Family Safety," then click "User Accounts" to view a list of users.

•2
Click "Manage another account." Click the "Administrator" username to view the main administrator account settings.

•3
Click "Change password." A text box appears. Type the new password into the "Password" text box. Type it again in the "Verify Password" text box.

•4
Click "Change Password" to save the new changes. Log out of the computer and log in using the new administrator password.



Read more: How to Recover an Administrator Startup Password | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_7490788_recover-administrator-startup-password.html#ixzz16XescJCq

[cactusrat]

Have you tried "password" as password, most manufacturer use that as default PW. If that don't work and if it's the BIOS, you can remove the battery and let it drain for 30minutes and it will revert to factory setting or if you can see the reset jumper, just do it from there to clear the BIOS password.

Bentong - I will try password as the password tomorrow.

Thanks for the tip.

[cactusrat]

Ask.com gave me this:


•Log in to your computer using an account that has administrative privileges. Click the Windows "Start" button and select "Control Panel." Click the link labeled "User Accounts and Family Safety," then click "User Accounts" to view a list of users.

•2
Click "Manage another account." Click the "Administrator" username to view the main administrator account settings.

•3
Click "Change password." A text box appears. Type the new password into the "Password" text box. Type it again in the "Verify Password" text box.

•4
Click "Change Password" to save the new changes. Log out of the computer and log in using the new administrator password.



Read more: How to Recover an Administrator Startup Password | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_7490788_recover-administrator-startup-password.html#ixzz16XescJCq

Thanks for your time Ray.

The first and only thing the computer displays is the computer is locked screen and ask for a password. Can’t get to the windows start button or the control panel.

[ezman604]

What kind of computer is this? Is it a branded one or home brew? You can try hitting F10 & F12 while booting to get to the Restore option. You aren't restoring data, the screen should actually say restore the computer to a previous date. You shouldn't need a disk for that. And if all else fails, you CAN do a Windows reinstall. It leaves all of the data and programs as is just replaces Windows. But I think the best would be to restore from a previous date.

[cactusrat]

What kind of computer is this? Is it a branded one or home brew? You can try hitting F10 & F12 while booting to get to the Restore option. You aren't restoring data, the screen should actually say restore the computer to a previous date. You shouldn't need a disk for that. And if all else fails, you CAN do a Windows reinstall. It leaves all of the data and programs as is just replaces Windows. But I think the best would be to restore from a previous date.

Thank you Dave.

It’s a Dell desk top.

I could swear I tried the restore the computer to a previous date button and got asked for a disk.

I will try the F10 & F12 keys while booting.

[ezman604]

Also try Ctl+F11 on boot to get to Restore menu.

[Jman]

maybe call dell and give them his computers manufacturer number and they should be able to look up the current password. You can do it with phones atleast...

[Bentong]

This PC could have been infected with a access denial virus, try pressing F8 after start-up and before you see that password &^^&. This will take you to safe mode and will only load diagnostic essentials to get in your PC and work from there. If your are lucky and have a restore disc, just boot from the disc and do maintenance. Last resort is to reformat and fresh install OS.

[cactusrat]

A BIG thanks for all the help.

I spent 2 hours today trying all the hints you'll gave me with no luck.

I don't have enough computer smarts to figure it out.

I told my neighbor to call a computer repair shop and passed along the info about the password recovery program.

Now I'm off to try to figure what to do with all the chrony numbers I collected the past week. I plan on running them threw chairgun also.

I'll post a write-up when I made head or tails out of it all . 

Big thanks again to my GTA family.