Forgotten PC password
How to start your computer when you've misplaced your password
Dear Paul: HELP! I forgot my PC password. What can I do to start my computer? - indio087
Dear Indio:
I’ll get to the answer in a moment. First, I have to ask: are you the guy who took my laptop in the Denver airport last month? If so, please do not read any further. I had Windows XP Home Edition loaded on my laptop, and all you’ll have to do to see my embarrassing high school yearbook pictures is…
1) Turn on your computer.
2) Immediately press the F8 button at the top of your keyboard.
3) Select “Safe Mode”.
4) Go into your User account and change or simply write down your password.
The solution is similar in Vista-loaded PC’s. Check out this Windows Vista Forum page for help.
Starting a PC in safe mode allows the computer to be logged on by an Administrator to have full access to the PC not just user accounts. When Windows is first installed or setup it asks for an Administrative password. Most people blow right through it without setting anything because it's optional. These PC's are the only ones at risk to this 'backdoor' entry into the PC. If you set an Administrator password (do not confuse this with an account with Admin privileges!) then this technique will NOT work. You'll simply be prompted for a password entry, which you won't have. If you have not set an Administrative password then you simply click on the Administrator username and you will be logged in.
It is recommended you go check right now to see if your account has an admin password set now that this is in the open (more than it already was anyway!!)
Tech-Omega
Tech Omega
Thank you for your tips now that the ****** made it easier for my daughter to get online
I agree. This is like the news broadcasting security leaks somewhere. Was it REALLY necessary to describe how to do that ? All you could have said as call you computer company. Not that we don't already have enough ID theft. Thanks for giving someone an open door. GENIOUS 
Who hired you?
Author forgets to add this will "Not" work on XP Pro or Vista Business. Additionally, as TOmega88 mentions.. if the end user was intelligent enough to enter a password upon setup of even Home editions, this process will not work.
If you use the professional edition of any OS or the administrative account password has been set and you forget, you can use one of many password recovery utilities. Prices range from $39 to over $100. Freeware is available, but be very cautious as 9 out of 10 times your down loading extra goodies that will cause additional harm.
I recommend when setting your password to take the additional step of adding a password hint. This can be displayed in the event of needing a little reminder.
Tech-Omega,
I agree 100% If a person hasn't set up his/her computer securely, they are going to have more problems then a forgotten password. Most likely the administrator account was not changed from the blank password on installation, so the pc is always operated using the administrator account. I have seen many setup this way, also no windows updates, or virus protection. Laptops should always have a bios password on power on. But if your are that forgetful, you won't remember that one either.
Incomplete answer is incomplete. Also, it's mostly wrong.
Choose your "User" account at the Safe-Mode login and you will be asked for your password. Choosing the Administrator account, as stated previously, will allow default administrative access UNLESS it has been passworded as well. Even if all user accounts AND the admin. account have been passworded, they can still be bypassed by processes that I will not state here fairly easily if you know what you are doing.
Not that simple if you forgot the administrator password or it is disabled by default like in Vista.
All users.. that are concerned this is a taboo secret about password recovery.. come on! This is common knowledge and trust me.. Author is not disclosing anything a standard computer user should already know. If not, google lost password and take the time to educate yourself before using your PC.
Lastly, parents that have kids that can out smart them on the PC (number is growing fast), hire a reputable IT firm and have them address your concerns and have them recommend or put in place controls that will insure you as the Parent are in charge and have the control. There is nothing worse than a Parent thinking they have out witted their child only to find out later the Child was quick on the draw and goggled the work around.
Be responsible and take accountability for your own lack of understanding.
About Paul Hochman
