To reset the Windows password is a five (5) minute job with my NTPASSWD CD. It's free and too many tutorials on the web.
I'm working with my neighbor's 10-year old Dell Optiplex desktop. Just 2 weeks ago I formatted & re-installed XP-Pro & everything was fine. Yesterday, he tells me he's infected with ransomware, but seeing as he doesn't have a thing on the computer (and no money), refused to pay anything. I take it, start it up and it wants a the "Windows XP Start Up Password". After 2 tries I get an error message referring to trying to change my password. He says he never put in a password. I've used Hirem's Boot Disk and Ophcrack, and neither one found any passwords. All clear in BIOS, too. Same thing in safe mode. I have removed the HD and scanned it from another computer with 3 different anti-virus programs via a USB adapter. One found a "severe" problem and removed it (so it said). Could this password thing be related to the ransomware? If I can't get by this password puzzle, I'll have to format it again and reinstall, again. Any ideas?http://i843.photobucket.com/albums/zz355/rje49/Startup%20password.jpg

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