OK - slight problem - any help appreciated.

A cpl of months ago I bought a new (2nd hand) PC base unit.

I've now got this up and running (with a few probs which I will no doubt request help on later).

However, I have just set up my old base unit with a spare monitor/keyboard/mouse/power leads etc which I borrowed from work.

It starts up OK, but when I get to the Log On to Windows screen, I typed in what I thought was my Administrator password, but it won't log me on.

I've tried no password at all, other passwords, capitals and lower case versions etc but no luck.

The PC is running Windows 2000 Professional but it was on the machine when I bought it so I dont have any installation or recovery discs.

There are a few files that I would like to get off the old base unit, so I don't really want to do a complete re-format.

Any ideas?

Take the hard drive out and shove it in another PC to copy the files off , then just format and re-install windows

Try the guest account maybe it wasnt disabled. Username guest, no password.

OK - slight problem - any help appreciated.

A cpl of months ago I bought a new (2nd hand) PC base unit.

I've now got this up and running (with a few probs which I will no doubt request help on later).

However' date=' I have just set up my old base unit with a spare monitor/keyboard/mouse/power leads etc which I borrowed from work.

It starts up OK, but when I get to the Log On to Windows screen, I typed in what I thought was my Administrator password, but it won't log me on.

I've tried no password at all, other passwords, capitals and lower case versions etc but no luck.

The PC is running Windows 2000 Professional but it was on the machine when I bought it so I dont have any installation or recovery discs.

There are a few files that I would like to get off the old base unit, so I don't really want to do a complete re-format.

Any ideas?[/quote']

Well you could boot with a CD built up with BartPE that should let you access the files to recover them. You will need access to a windows 2000 / XP / 2003 cd though to build your windows on a cd tool. It's very useful.

If you want to get at the password you probably want something like lophtcracker - I haven't used it in years though but IIRC you can boot from floppy and then let the tool launch and crack the admin password for you. May be someone more experienced with this will be along in a minute.

Try the guest account maybe it wasnt disabled. Username guest, no password.

Tried that one but no luck. Thnx anyway

Take the hard drive out and shove it in another PC to copy the files off , then just format and re-install windows

Guess that makes sense. I've never opened a computer up in my life, but I guess there is a first time for everything.

On 2nd thoughts, I think I will bribe some friendly IT Techie type with a few beer tokens....

Download BartPE, that will sort it - or use one of the linux boot discs that has a 'reset admin pwd' facility, change pwd as you see fit, and log in

yeah the Linux boot floppies can work well - there's one about somewhere but I can't remember the name. I'll do a google and get back to you.

Edit: here you go

You could try ERD Commander.

I use it to change administrator passwords on 2000/2003 server so it probably works for pro aswell.

Trial version downloadable from www.winternals.com

..we have the same problem at work on a PC that doesn't seem to like XP...

One of my work mates has some software that allows you to change the aministrator password at boot....think he said something about the software imitating a RAID device...putting the floppy in from boot allows you to change the password without having to type the old one back in in order to change it...

...hes not back in until monday but I will see if I can find the disc and the name of the software for you..