[Ron the Geek]

As most know, I'm always working on computers for resale; cleaning up sloppy, infected, and/or over "adulterated" hard drives for the sales floor. As part of the process, I always use Windows search for the obvious file formats and have found, oddly enough it seems to me, jpg files which I try to preview (since only an icon shows up as a tile in the search window) ask me for a password. Until recently, I have never seen an individual jpg file password protected. Since the icon is the Kodak logo, I'm assuming it's not a personal or adult type file that I need to get rid of. But how can I view a file like this in XP?

 

[Ron the Geek]

Just noticed that it's an EasyShare jpg. Does that tell anyone anything?

 

[JohnWill]

Why not just delete it?

 

[Ron the Geek]

As you know, the images that appear on certain pages of programs are jpg's or other form of graphic file, and I'm afraid that I might be deleting a file associated with an application—like your Tech Support Guy logo at the top left of the screen. I just want to insure that no personal or adult-related files remain on the harddrive. As I don't have, and therefor can't include with the sale of the machine, the original install disks, I don't want to cause problems with functioning software left on the computer. This is why I search and review all types of graphic and video formats. (Just found out the other day that I also need to start searching for compressed files...oops!) If I recall, (I'm not at work now) the last time I tried deleting such a file it still asked me for a password. Perhaps, if the file really does need to be deleted, I can use UNLOCKER to free the file and delete it. I was just wondering if there was any way to view these types of files without having the password. Thanks!

 

[JohnWill]

I can state with some certainty that no "required" JPG for basic operation is going to be password protected.

 

[Ron the Geek]

I'm sure you're right, JW. Either way, though, does that mean there's no way to view these files without the password?

 

[JohnWill]

I honestly don't know, but figuring what you're trying to do, I'm not sure I'd expend a lot of effort trying. I'm sure those files are not required to get the systems running properly.

In any case, since removing passwords from protected files would fall under our "no hacking" rule, it's best that this conversation goes no further.

 

[Ron the Geek]

You're right, JW. Sorry; wasn't thinking (one of my more common maladies...).