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I've forgotten my password XXXXX my Dell 505 running Windows XP, can I recover somehow
Optional Information: Computer OS: Windows XP Browser: IE Already Tried: tried all old passwords to no effect
Hello, my name is XXXX XXX I can help you today.
The ability to recover a password XXXX depends on which one you are talking about. Is this the BIOS password, Windows Password XX something different? If you are not sure, let me know.
Hi Ryan,
I am mhaving problems with 2 computers, 1 is a quite new Dell Studio XPS which has stopped working,, period after telling me it had failed a smart system test, and I expect I'll have to take it to the shop because the system test said hard dick is about to fail. But the other problem is with my old Dell latitude D505 machine running windows XP. I've forgotten the password XXX wonder of there is a way to recover it
Ok, when does it ask you for a password, immediately when the computer is turned on or after it has booted up (takes a minute)?
after it has booted up ie after the contrl alt delete window
Ok, so the actual Windows password XXX forgotten?
Yes
Alright, you have a few options in this situation. The first one is to re-install Windows, this will put a clean copy of Windows on that machine and overwrite the old password XXXXXXXXX one. Any old data will be lost. The second option is to use a password XXXXXXX application, but this requires a bit of technical skill as well as a CD/DVD burner.
I dont think I have the windows disk to reinstall, as it is my old ex work computer and the network person kept all the discs so how about the other option
Sure, just a moment
Alright, so if you want to go with the second option I can give you the link to the instructions however I can not help you accomplish this because it is a legal gray area (for me) as this is considered password XXXXXXXX. It's okay if you do it yourself because it is your computer, but you have to do it yourself. Does that make sense?
Yes, same as breaking a window because youve left your keys on the table inside, the guy who gives you the brick is not liable
Alright, so first I would like to let you know that if you do bring your first machine into a repair shop, they most likely would have an old XP installation CD which they could probably throw on there (to fix your password XXXXXXXXX machine) for you at minimal cost, because your XP machine already has a license (serial number) you shouldn't have to pay for another. You can inquire about that if you don't want to proceed with the password XXXXXXXX tool.
OK, that is my last ditch resort because I have pictures and documents on the machine that I do not want to lose (last backup was a very long time ago.
Ok, I understand. Here is a link to (in my experience) is the best password XXXXXXX. It is called Offline NT Password & Registry Editor and here are the instructions.
You want me to go there now?
You can click it and it will open a new window. Go ahead and do that and look over the instructions and if you have any questions you can ask me.
cool
OK have downloaded on to a stick and will try it, give me 5 minutes
Sure, just take it step by step, and read the instructions carefully
Ryan,
OK i've got the usb stick all loaded up and have connected it in to the old machine and started it up again but the machine didnt recognise the stick I guess, should I try again but start the machine up in safe mode (press F2 ?)
Just a moment
Needs to be on a CD.
You need to burn the ISO image to a CD
the pogo page (where the new software comes from said it would also work off a usb stick, and I chose that because the CD burner is on the laptop that I cant get working
CD is a almost guaranteed way to accomplish the task. USB not so much. Some computers wont allow booting into a USB stick. I would recommend using someone elses computer and burn that to disk.
hmm, what next?
Find a way to get that onto a CD and start from there. Once you do that, the procedure is pretty straightforward.
OK will do, 2 questions more any suggestions about the SMART test fail on my Dell Studio and how can I get back to you if the disc burn/load process goes wrong?
Sure. SMART is a hardware test, so if you are getting a fail, most likely it is the actual hard drive that failed. You will need to bring that into a shop and have them test it. You can reach me at this link should you need help in the future. As long as you follow that step by step guide exactly, you will be fine. I have never seen that procedure fail on XP when everything is done correctly.
Ok, thanx 4 ur help & rgds br
Your very welcome.
Experience: A+ Certified Technician - 10 Years experience working with all types of computer systems.
Ryan, Thank you for your kind wishes, just for your information I transferred the information to disk and tried it as you recommended, but it did not work. So I bit the bullet and took my computer to the local shop. They said it was a hardware fault and I would need a new hard drive. Which they supplied and fitted and transferred all my data and it has worked perfectly ever since. I am in 2 minds about rejecting the monthly fee to the service provided.
Hi Bruce, I hope they didn't change out the hard drive on the 505, if it was only password XXXXX then I would be HIGHLY suspicious that a new hard drive was warranted, especially if they were able to save all the data and put it on the new hard drive. Perhaps they unlocked the password, then ran a test and determined that the hard drive was bad, but it seems like a stretch to me. Replacing it on the Dell XPS after a failed SMART makes sense. At any rate, I'm happy to hear that you are back up and running. Best of luck to you and please let me know if you have any other questions.