Lost Password Software Win 7

[Channel Hopper]

I have a laptop here with Win7 Home Premium and a username that isn't mine. Having slaved the drive it is clear there is nothing on the drive that is confidential, only the operating system and a couple of o/s upgrades from around 2012. The holographic Windows sticker is readable with the 25 digit code so I can use this if needed

I'm considering upgrading the daughters current Dell lappy with XP on it, and two choices spring to mind (perhaps 3).

Upgrade to Win 10 using the code on the sticker, or try and clear the original account detail back to first time intall/run.

The opening screen will not allow me beyond without a password, and the F12 command prompt just runs straight through to the opening screen in safe mode, though I have been able to set both a supervisor and HDD password of my own in the boot mode.

There is a programme called lostwindowspassword, and the trial version does allow access to the DOS menu but not to do the changes without paying the £20 or so to upgrade to full.

So, is there a way to stick Win 10 onto this machine with the 25 characters, using a disc or USB stick from somewhere, or is it better to bite the bullet and pay the money for the reset of the password ?

Another potential option would be to slave the drive again and scan through the various lines of code for the correct line where I might be able to change the password myself, though I'm not sure if this can be done in Win 7.

 

[Mickha]

Just had a quick search and found this:

https://www.isunshare.com/windows-7-password/recover-windows-7-password.html

and this:

https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-reset-a-windows-7-password-2626297

 

[Archive-8]

Can’t you format the drive, and install a clean version of windows 10?

If needed you can by a “scrap” Pc on the bay, they email you the 25 digit code.

So far I have been lucky as my Lenovo windows 8 key went straight through.

Just download the suitable windows iso and give it a try.

 

[jeallen01]

@CH w.r.t the Windows 10 upgrade:

The W10 "free upgrade" offer officially ended late in 2016, but you can still use the "Assistive Technologies" free workaround until 31st Dec this year.

Be interested to see how well the various windows P/W retrieval packages work though.

 

[4wd]

Some reading (also look at the 'related links' at the bottom of tutorial):

Password Reset - Windows 7 Help Forums

 

[Channel Hopper]

I would rather keep W7 on the machine as it has a number of similar features to XP and so the familiarity is there. It also allows a 'revert' should anything go wrong with W10.

Anyhow I'm looking at something called Pogostick (that looks suspiciously like the lostwindowspassword programme I got the trial version of), and it's considerably less than £20. Will advise tomorrow once I clean the laser of the DVD drive.

 

[Terryl]

I use a program called "PCunlocker" it resets the passwords to a blank condition, it finds all passwords for all installed programs.

PCUnlocker - Unlock Windows Password, Reset Windows Password

 

[Channel Hopper]

Confirmed , Pogostick does what it says on the tin.

Password erased, I have added a new account and given administrator rights.

Looking good , connection to the world next to see if it needs some serious upgrades.