How do you bypass log in password (XP)? Bought used desktop purchase "as it is" ...

[rolandr]

I bought a used desktop for cheap. Office desktops fire sale but purchased "as it is".

Seller doesn't know the password and I don't want to format and re-install OS and applications.

I read that CTRL-ALT-DEL twice during Window Start Up, you log in as 'Administrator' and leave the password text box blank and if there was not an Administrator password then you are in but what if there is?

I read there is some crack software that can do that.

Then I read press F8 try to get in "Safe Mode". In Safe Mode create an account.

Any other suggestions?

[Darkmere]

The only way I know is to make a boot capable CD with a Password recovery/editor on it. I have tried all the ways you listed and Microsoft Thwarted those methods, and only work on XP versions that are lower than the patch it was fixed. The funny thing about the CTRL+ALT Delete method was when I tried it you had to hit it three times at the login and it did login as admin the problem was after it fully logged in it asked for the admin password and would let you do anything

[henk506673]

there is always my way. wipe and start over. that is unless there was not anything you wanted to keep. you can always do a fresh install but try backtrack first. it has a few usefull cracking tools.

[khopcraft77]

If there isn't a password on admin, log in as administrator and change the password to the account you want to access.

[Smith6612]

Reformat the PC and reinstall the Operating System, or use the Ultimate Boot CD (Linux-based one will work). The UBCD does include a bootable Registry Editor which can also be used to reset the password. On my disk once the Registry Editor is loaded, all I need to do is tap Option 3, and it'll display a listing of the user accounts and if they have a password or not. From there, I can modify the password, create a password, or delete the password.

[steronius]

http://pcsupport.about.com/od/toolso...ssrecovery.htm

[SJ.Wolfe]

I would say Smith's suggestion of using a UBCD is your best bet of getting into the computer if there's anything on it you actually want. If you don't care about what's on it, and don't mind paying for an OS or using a free linux-based OS, then just reformat the hard drive and start from scratch.

[rolandr]

Well, I have no problem installing Linux based OS (I've installed Ubuntu Linux on my two laptops) 'cause most or all the application are FREE but actually this desktop is my girlfriend's.

I'm sure this desktop has MS Office applications that she needs. Problem with her, although she fluent with MS Office applications, just removing some of menu tool bars, she 'lost', it look strange. Then She doesn't want me to train her using Office.org.

I may look into crack software for last case scenario.

[lllllllbob61]

Did you get it fixed yet? Try this. Method 1: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/321305#method1
...found by via google.com: search words: windows xp reset password

Windows log in passwords are easy to bypass. Bios PowerOn passwords are not.

[Darkmere]

Did you get it fixed yet? Try this. Method 1: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/321305#method1
...found by via google.com: search words: windows xp reset password

Windows log in passwords are easy to bypass. Bios PowerOn passwords are not.

BIOS PowerOn Passwards are easier to reset than windows passwords. You just pop the case ope locate the BIOS Chip and yank it off the board for 30 seconds and pop it back in and viola no more password. Or you can also locate the onboard battery for the BIOS and pull the battery to it and it does the same thing