Solved: Lost Windows 2000 password

lola2001 · Jan 10, 2005

Ok, here's the situation. My boss brought his wife's computer in because it is missing an OS file and cannot load. I tried to repair it using the windows 2000 CD but it's asking for a administrator password. My boss nor his wife have any idea what it is since the requirement for putting in a logon password was bypassed during boot. The person who installed the system no longer works here so nobody knows what the password could possibly be.

In any case I've tried several my boss suggested and none have worked so far...still trying. I've looked for password recovery help on the net but I don't understand any of it.

So my question is; is there a way to find out the password without it being totally difficult? Or do I really need to reformat?

Thanks.

Sitb · Jan 10, 2005

The default password for most programs is 'admin' or 'administrator' but I'm surprised you couldn't find any help on the net.

crjdriver · Jan 10, 2005

You can recover the password, however I would like a mod to review this thread first [this could be considered hacking] If the mod approves, I can post info on how to reset / bypass the password.

I assume you have tried leaving the field blank and hitting enter correct?

somefellow · Jan 10, 2005

pull the battery out for a few minutes ....or do a search on google or even this site . whether it is a genuine question or not , it can`t be proven so i why would there be a problem with it ?

p.s....did a quick search and it has been answered before .

crjdriver · Jan 10, 2005

somefellow said:
pull the battery out for a few minutes ....or do a search on google or even this site . whether it is a genuine question or not , it can`t be proven so i why would there be a problem with it ?

p.s....did a quick search and it has been answered before .

This will not do anything for a win2k password. It would work for a bios password; not an os password.

somefellow · Jan 10, 2005

asking for a administrator password

....missed that , thanks.

~Candy~ · Jan 10, 2005

I'm following along too, and I've known lola for quite some time and have no reason to believe she has anything but good intentions here.

lola2001 · Jan 10, 2005

Thank you AcaCandy I appreciate the vote confidence. I managed to get into the system by reinstalling the OS....but how do I actually look for the password now? I looked in the passwords section in the control panel and it's not there. I'd like to change it to maybe her name or something easy so she will know in the future. Thanks for the help everyone.

lola2001 · Jan 10, 2005

Oh yeah...I've tried admin, adminstrator and nothing at all.

~Candy~ · Jan 10, 2005

You're welcome lola

I can't help, I was just responding to the possible issue. Not a 2K gal here

crjdriver · Jan 10, 2005

Ok, here is the web site from which you can download the password editor.
Link

You can use either a bootable cd or floppy that the app makes for you. It has detailed directions on how to do this. Basiclly the passwords are contained in the SAM file. The boot disk allows you to access the file and edit it. I need to leave for work in a few min so if you have problems, johnwill can help you with this.

Doing this should make you a hero to your boss.

crjdriver · Jan 10, 2005

BTW AcaCandy this will work for a forgotten xp password as well. And yes it is STILL snowing here. I really hate snow.

lola2001 · Jan 10, 2005

I've seen this website today already...but I don't know what to do...or what to download.

~Candy~ · Jan 10, 2005

crjdriver said:
BTW AcaCandy this will work for a forgotten xp password as well. And yes it is STILL snowing here. I really hate snow.

You and ratchet. He's in Carson City, I think they have more than you

lola2001 · Jan 10, 2005

Hi Everyone! I printed off the instructions...read them...and downloaded and burned the correct file. The program let me change the password to blank (nothing else) so at least I can get into her desktop now. She will be so happy.

Yes, my boss thinks I'm a genius...but I gave all the credit to this forum. He certainly makes me work for my money

Thanks for the link crjdriver.

~Candy~ · Jan 10, 2005

You can now mark your own threads solved by using the THREAD TOOLS drop down box

crjdriver · Jan 11, 2005

Just checked from work. Glad you got it to work. BTW AcaCandy I bought a snow blower. I am done shoveling.

~Candy~ · Jan 11, 2005

crjdriver said:
AcaCandy I bought a snow blower. I am done shoveling.

Congrats

Congrats to you too lola, tell your boss you need a raise

Solved: Lost Windows 2000 password

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