despretly need help with password recovery
I have a huge problem and need help asap. I was given a lap top by my boyfriend's step dad. He got it from his nephew. The nephew passworded the administrator account with jibberish and forgot the password. The password hint is also random jibberish. Because of this, I can't download anything or even perform maintance on the lap top. It badly needs to be cleaned up due to misuse. I don't have a start up disk or anything. I was wondering if there was any way to take care of this problem without it having to be looked at by a professional. It's very upsetting, and I would hate to get rid of the lap top but feel like I'm running out of options. Please help. Thank you.
January 12th, 2010 11:00pm

Best practice with a used computer is always to do a clean install/restore to factory condition. This makes the need to know passwords moot. Most laptops and many OEM (HP, Sony, etc.) desktop computers come with a factory restore image on a special partition on the hard drive. The factory restore process is normally invoked by pressing a Function key (like F11) at computer startup. There will be a message as to which Function key to press on the screen when you first start your computer. You can also refer to your computer manual, or the computer mftr.'s website, or contact its tech support to see how to restore your computer to factory condition since each computer mftr. does it differently - sometimes even between models. These machines also usually have a utility with which to create physical recovery discs in case the hard drive needs to be replaced or the factory restore image is somehow damaged. If you do not have the physical recovery discs or the recovery image is damaged, contact the computer mftr.'s tech support to order a recovery disc set. This is normally very inexpensive, around $20-25.MS-MVP - Elephant Boy Computers - Don't Panic!
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January 13th, 2010 5:14pm

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