Bought used computer - how to remove password?

[hollysmom]

I bought a used laptop on Ebay to replace Scott's current machine - it needs a new motherboard. This machine seems to work fine, but the previous owner left the XP password function active and I don't have the password. How to get around this while I wait for her to respond to my email asking for the password?

Thanks!

SSM

[sneezles]

In the control Panel there is an icon for User Accounts. Try clicking on it to create a new account. It may limit some programs that you can install but you should have access to basic files.

[hollysmom]

I can't get that far. It is running XP Professional and locks at the login screen. How to get around that? I guess I could reinstall the XP from my CD...

SSM

[HealthyinMN]

Try this?

1. At the log in screen " ctrl-alt-delete " twice.
2. In the User Account, type Administrator
3. Leave the password blank and press enter.
(Most likely a password wasn't created in this hidden account during setup).

[Arete]

You know, I would really just reinstall the OS if I were you. You never know what kind of crap might have been loaded onto the computer by the other person (even unwittingly) and it would be better to just start with a clean slate. Depending on what kind of websites the previous owner went to, there may even be spyware on the computer or viruses. Just seems like it's better to be safe.

You may be able to get around the password using HealthyinMN's suggestion, but other than that, you are probably SOL since the whole point of the password feature in XP is to prevent people from accessing information on a computer (if they have stolen it for example.)

[badunnin]

I would enter it through safe mode (holding down F8 as it boots) and try from there.

[hollysmom]

Thanks for all the suggestions. As it turns out, the seller got back to me and I managed to get in and change the password. Hopefully this will work for Scott and I'll look like a genius.

SSM

[HealthyinMN]

Glad you got it figured out!