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Post by cats4jan on Aug 14, 2016 3:30:38 GMT
I can't figure out the password on my laptop - even with the hint showing on the log-in screen.
I've tried every password I've used in the last few years...
The thing has been sitting in a drawer for a few years - ever since I got my iPad, so it's been a long time since I tried to boot it up.
It's a nice laptop - 6 years old - but hardly ever used. It has a long life still ahead of it - but now, it's a doorstop.
Is there any hope?
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Post by Sepiana on Aug 14, 2016 3:33:55 GMT
Janice, Windows or Mac?
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Post by cats4jan on Aug 14, 2016 10:49:13 GMT
HP running Windows 7
And, no - I never made a boot disk and I don't have any software on disk (doesn't have a disk drive anyway) or USB thingy.
i tried to contact HP but I can't seem to get past their "do it yourself" stuff.
It was originally registered with them, so they know it's actually my laptop and not stolen, but I can't find a way to contact them.
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Post by Sepiana on Aug 14, 2016 17:33:51 GMT
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Post by Inspeqtor on Aug 14, 2016 23:11:48 GMT
Janice, I typed "HP Laptop customer service" and got THISHope that helps you  |
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Post by Sepiana on Aug 14, 2016 23:21:01 GMT
I am afraid that HP is not the one to handle a lost password. This is a Microsoft/Windows issue. However, HP could help Janice do a clean re-install of Windows 7. Then, she would create a new account with a new password and she would be ready to go.
Another possibility would be to take the laptop to a Microsoft store and see what they could do. |
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Post by Major Major on Aug 14, 2016 23:22:30 GMT
I am afraid that HP is not the one to handle a lost password. This is a Microsoft/Windows issue. However, HP could help Janice do a clean re-install of Windows 7. Then, she would create a new account with a new password and she would be ready to go. Except, of course, for re-installing all her programs.  |
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Post by Sepiana on Aug 14, 2016 23:26:52 GMT
I am afraid that HP is not the one to handle a lost password. This is a Microsoft/Windows issue. However, HP could help Janice do a clean re-install of Windows 7. Then, she would create a new account with a new password and she would be ready to go. Except, of course, for re-installing all her programs.
That's absolutely right . . . but it is a small price for her to pay in order to be able to use the laptop again.
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Post by BuckSkin on Aug 15, 2016 1:41:57 GMT
I am not speaking from experience, but I have read of such a thing as pass-word cracking software; some versions are even available as free-ware.
Google search pass-word cracking or somesuch and see what comes up.
It is sort of like having to break into your own vehicle; you have lost your key, so you need a work-around.
I would give it a try.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2016 1:50:59 GMT
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Post by Sepiana on Aug 15, 2016 2:14:04 GMT
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Post by cats4jan on Aug 15, 2016 12:14:38 GMT
Thanks for the phone number, Charles. I should've trusted Mr. Google instead of going directly to the HP site and trying a bunch of links that just kept sending me to more help links.
To all the others - I'll try each.
I have no problem with a clean install. There is nothing on the computer that matters. Heck, I doubt there's even any software on it. I used it for photo backup on vacation and as a second computer when the desktop wasn't available. When I got my iPad and a second desktop, I threw a perfectly good laptop into a drawer never to grab it until I needed it this weekend. How I screwed up the password, I'll never know. And really, while it was home, I should've just removed the password. I only password protected it because it was 'on the road'
Thanks for helping.
EDIT - I'm in the process of recovery right now - I'll let you know the results.
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Post by cats4jan on Aug 15, 2016 13:32:59 GMT
Looks like all is good. I did have the option of backing up my files onto an EHD but I'm still trying to figure out if they are there and if they can be opened - but that's for another day.
This procedure does beg the question - if I can back up the files and I can restore the computer - what's the point of a password?
I haven't actually worked with the computer because I have to get out of here right now - but it looks like it's set to go. It's a clean install.
Thanks to all for your helpful responses. If I had not been freaking out, it would've dawned on me to Google how to fix the problem. LOL
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2016 15:34:49 GMT
Glad to hear you are on your way to solving your issue Janice.
Would you mind letting us all know which of the suggestion is the one that is working for you, so that others, who may in the future have this problem, know which worked?
Thank you!
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Post by cats4jan on Aug 15, 2016 17:59:14 GMT
hp.dezide.com/ts/start.jsp?guide=unableloginos.net&as=true§ion=ccweb
Simone, I used the HP link. It was really simple - it took less than an hour - I chose the option of saving some files to EHD - then it wiped the laptop and reinstalled the OS that was originally on it - Windows 7 Home Premium
The files I had the recovery disk put on my EHD are numbered 0-22 and have .wim at the end of each file. I have no clue what they are or what to use to open them, so, in essence, I have no files from before.
The laptop itself is working. I was able to get on the internet and was able to move around the OS. I think all is OK. However, I've totally forgotten how to run Windows since I've been on a Mac for 3 or 4 years. LOL
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