Computer Help

The hard drive copy idea is a good one, but you'll need a USB adapter cable, either for a SATA or IDE/ATA interface, depending on how old the HD is. Alternatively, if it is a desktop HD, you might be able to connect it up internally as a second HD on another desktop.

Much easier is to go into safe mode, which you do by hitting the F8 key rapidly and repeatedly when you first power up the computer. See if there is an "Administrator" account that appears on the welcome screen. If so, it probably has not been activated and it will let you right in as a computer administrator, in which case you're in like Flynn and can do whatever you want, like copying data onto a thumb drive, changing passwords, etc.

The next best thing is to burn a CD with Ultimate Boot CD For Windows (http://www.ubcd4win.com/), boot the computer from the CD, and use the password reset tool that is included. BTW, doing this requires a bit of technical knowledge, like how to burn an .iso image (you'll need a free copy of nero essentials, imgburn, or the like), and then you'll need to make your computer boot the CD, which often involves hitting F12 or similar key when you first power up to allow you to select booting from CD.

There are numerous password crackers for the various Windows operating systems. Some are easier to use than others. I would seriously consider FIRST gaining physical access to the computer and securing it. In other words, put it where it can’t be accessed by unauthorized persons. I personally like post # 42.

“There are numerous password crackers for the various Windows operating systems.”

I’ve never gotten any of them to work. On the other hand, UBCD4Win is a RAM-based operating system that includes elements of XP, and its password tool simply modifies the SAM hive file to replace whatever password exists with no password. This has ALWAYS worked for me.

I’ll tell you the truth... the last time I had to do something like this, I booted the machine with a copy of Backtrack Linux and brute force cracked the passwords using tools in the distro (John The Ripper). But this is beyond most “normal” users. I usually avoid any and all Windows operating systems at every possible opportunity. :-)

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