win2000 password

  • Thread starter Thread starter gnat
  • Start date Start date
G

gnat

hello

I have been given a windows 2000 pro computer, but while booting into windows it says that the
password has expired and i should make a new one; but it wants the old one too... of which I
dont have.

It isnt the bios password, because I got past that.
In windows98, I know I can use dos and go delete the password file, and it will start over from
scratch, do I do the same here? or is there another way.

Thank you in advance.
gnat
 
gnat said:
hello

I have been given a windows 2000 pro computer, but while booting into
windows it says that the
password has expired and i should make a new one; but it wants the old
one too... of which I
dont have.

It isnt the bios password, because I got past that.
In windows98, I know I can use dos and go delete the password file, and it
will start over from
scratch, do I do the same here? or is there another way.

Thank you in advance.
gnat
Click to expand...

http://home.eunet.no/~pnordahl/ntpasswd/bootdisk.html
 
http://home.eunet.no/~pnordahl/ntpasswd/bootdisk.html
Click to expand...

Thank you Pegasus,,,,

I went there, and didnt understand any of it,, is there an easier way??

The machine was found on the side of the road, hard-rubbish day.... people where I live just
seem to toss out computers rather than fix them or whatever.
The computer seems okay apart from that,, and I guess what I am trying to do is find out what size
ram it has, how big the hard-drive is,, and etc, without pulling it apart. (not my forte.)

I dont have a c/d for it, but was hoping I would be able to re-set the password by deleteing the
..pwl file, like in win98. sigh.

Is there another way?
gnat
 
gnat said:
Thank you Pegasus,,,,

I went there, and didnt understand any of it,, is there an easier way??

The machine was found on the side of the road, hard-rubbish day....
people where I live just
seem to toss out computers rather than fix them or whatever.
The computer seems okay apart from that,, and I guess what I am trying to
do is find out what size
ram it has, how big the hard-drive is,, and etc, without pulling it
apart. (not my forte.)

I dont have a c/d for it, but was hoping I would be able to re-set the
password by deleteing the
.pwl file, like in win98. sigh.

Is there another way?
gnat
Click to expand...

The Windows 98 security was so weak that it was no security
at all. Security under Windows 2000/XP is much better: You
need physical access to the machine in order to reset a password.

However, Microsoft do not supply any tools to do it, so you have
to rely on third-party tools such as the Nordahl boot disk to reset
the dminstrator's passwrd. Using it is easy: . . .

When you type the phrase

How to use the Nordahl boot disk

into Google then you will get lots of specific advice about the
Nordahl boot disk, e.g. from this site:
http://www.infopackets.com/channels...0031030_reset_windows_2000_admin_password.htm
 
gnat said:
I went there, and didnt understand any of it,, is there an easier way??

The machine was found on the side of the road, hard-rubbish day.... people where I live just
seem to toss out computers rather than fix them or whatever.
The computer seems okay apart from that,, and I guess what I am trying to do is find out what size
ram it has, how big the hard-drive is,, and etc, without pulling it apart. (not my forte.)

I dont have a c/d for it, but was hoping I would be able to re-set the password by deleteing the
.pwl file, like in win98. sigh.

Is there another way?
Click to expand...

I can think of two other ways - get someone to help you or (preferably)
reinstall the operating system.

If you picked this machine up at the side of the road it may contain
personal data from the previous user so it's really not a nice thing to
do to force access. Since it doesn't contain any data that's critical to
you, you don't have the usual reason for resisting a reinstall. Moreover
if you don't have valid licences for the OS and/or applications, it
would be technically illegal to use the system anyway.

If all you truly want to is find out the ram, hd size etc, watch the
screen at bootup time (be ready with the pause-key) or go into the BIOS
and check there. But logically, you must have seen that stuff already.
 
Sid Elbow said:
I can think of two other ways - get someone to help you or (preferably)
reinstall the operating system.

If you picked this machine up at the side of the road it may contain
personal data from the previous user so it's really not a nice thing to do
to force access. Since it doesn't contain any data that's critical to you,
you don't have the usual reason for resisting a reinstall. Moreover if you
don't have valid licences for the OS and/or applications, it would be
technically illegal to use the system anyway.

If all you truly want to is find out the ram, hd size etc, watch the
screen at bootup time (be ready with the pause-key) or go into the BIOS
and check there. But logically, you must have seen that stuff already.
Click to expand...

The machine could also be riddled with viruses, malware and spyware.
 
If you picked this machine up at the side of the road it may contain
personal data from the previous user so it's really not a nice thing to
do to force access. Since it doesn't contain any data that's critical to
you, you don't have the usual reason for resisting a reinstall. Moreover
if you don't have valid licences for the OS and/or applications, it
would be technically illegal to use the system anyway.
Click to expand...

oh, well, guess what smarty pants, they really shouldnt throw away PCs
with personal data on the street in that case!
There are lots of crypto and HDD wipers on the net, and the HDD could
be formatted or destroyed.
Lots of PCs have been given to me, I played with them, if they are
good, I fix them and give them to those who cant afford a computer.
But if they contain personal data, pics of grandma that croaked 2 days
after they were taken, or sensitive business files... well too bad I
am sad, your loss.
 
yes,, what you say is true..... gomar.

i am learning the computer,, and often get given stuff that is tossed on side of the road by the ppl
who dont want them anymore. (probably because they picked up a virus or whatever).]
But,, if the computer happens to windows 2000, so what? if a person throws out a win2000, for
all to see, for anyone to grab, then, if the 2000 computer was used for sensitive stuff,,,
the owner should have removed the hard-drive and hit it with bluddy hammer..... yes???!!

yes, 2000 is supposed to be more 'security conscious', but only as secure as the ninny who tosses
out the h/d with the computer.

i agree with what you said Mr Gomar.....

gnat

say, do you know a way 'round the p/w?
 
guess what gomar......
even though there are billions of combinations for a password;; i typed in
ZERO (not cap-lock) and it carried on and loaded windows...
wonder if this is some sorta over-ride?
anyhow, just thought i would share that with you seeing as you stuck up for me.

gnat
 
gnat said:
even though there are billions of combinations for a password;; i typed in
ZERO (not cap-lock) and it carried on and loaded windows...
wonder if this is some sorta over-ride?
anyhow, just thought i would share that with you seeing as you stuck up for me.
gnat
Click to expand...
I guess it would be a good idea for Microsoft to build in a universal
top-secret PW into every OS they sell, which would let them to enter every
computer in case a need arises. With Big Bro becomeing more and more real
this advance thinking might be very handy. If you inadvertently discovered
this top-secret PW - then you already know too much to live and pose threat
to National Security. If you have relatives or girlfriends or other
beneficiaries, take out a life insurance asap.
 
aa said:
typed in


for me.


I guess it would be a good idea for Microsoft to build in a universal
top-secret PW into every OS they sell, which would let them to enter every
computer in case a need arises. With Big Bro becomeing more and more real
this advance thinking might be very handy. If you inadvertently discovered
this top-secret PW - then you already know too much to live and pose threat
to National Security. If you have relatives or girlfriends or other
beneficiaries, take out a life insurance asap.
Click to expand...


Those darned Englishmen, had they not penned the Magna Carta about 900
years ago none of these pesky laws that protect individuals would exist
and law enforcement could it's job properly and without any silly
oversight. Never mind secret passwords, what the US really needs to do
is do away with the constitution and the right of Habeas Corpus, then
hire ex Romanian Securitate directors to run your law enforcement...

John
 
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