Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

can't get past windows 8 password

Dec 14, 2014 1:50AM PST

My 15-yr-old son is failing 10th grade with 5 F's because he's a computer addict. The saddest thing is that he's a bright kid. I think it's a crime that a child can take over control of a computer as easily as that. I called dell and they too said "too bad" that's the way windows 8 is made. Can they at least wipe the computer clean so I can install windows 7 and maintain some control? This is a terrible addiction that has affected the entire family. We are going to get rid of the computer but am afraid he could move onto mine - also windows 8. I have NEVER liked it. The fact that someone, your child, could lock their parents out is frightening and simply WRONG! The first time we turned off the breaker and locked the door he took a crowbar and started hitting the breaker box. We had to call the police. Someone please help us! Are there treatment programs for computer addiction? This is far too big for my husband and me.

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
In short no. Windows 7 won't fix this either.
Dec 14, 2014 2:13AM PST

However I see the problem and will give it a go at explaining. A PC is what they call a Personal Computer. It was made, designed to obey the command that the person that is at the keyboard tells it to. So for now all is as it should be.

Some go as far as rehab or take computers completely out of the house.
Bob

- Collapse -
a child has the right to lock parents out of their computer?
Dec 14, 2014 11:30AM PST

That's how it should be? Do you have children R Proffitt? I am talking about a child, not an adult.

- Collapse -
It's a PC.
Dec 15, 2014 2:15AM PST

I didn't do more than offer why this is. There are ways to reset passwords and regain control but that wasn't the question so I left that out. And yes we have children.

Most parental control PC discussions follow a predictable arc. You can go down that path, learn more about PCs in general, ask for ideas or just flame anyone fool enough to discuss this area.

I see you're getting the idea that under such conditions a PC free home may be the answer.
Bob

- Collapse -
r proffitt please don't reply to me
Dec 16, 2014 11:58PM PST

I find your offensive, unecessary comments and jabs hurtful. I see you are a moderator yet you are the type of person that should be moderated. What's the point? Your snide comments only reveal a low self esteem and angry nature. Don't reply...it will only prove my point further. If it's not too much to ask, please be kind or at least civil. Thank you.

- Collapse -
Sorry about that.
Dec 17, 2014 2:34AM PST

In laying it out as plain as I can I see you have taken that as a jab and been offended. I understand that you are a little beat up already but have hope you'll understand that PCs, Windows are not that controllable by design.

My apologies.
Bob

- Collapse -
Are you saying you're locked out from the pc?
Dec 14, 2014 2:14AM PST
- Collapse -
we are removing the computer from the house
Dec 14, 2014 11:40AM PST

I see no other way other than removing the (MY) computer from my house (the one my child has hijacked) along with the (MY) Ipad and will see if I can work through gwrach923's suggestion.