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Question

Locked Administrator user

Jun 18, 2014 10:13AM PDT

The Administrator User site is locked and will not permit any activity using it until I can enter a password. I have never used a password to open my user site. Suddenly 3 days ago it refused to open until I can supply the password. I cannot do a Open in Safe Mode, install any software, etc. I have downloaded Ophcrack, and made a Password Reset Disk. When I try to log on using one of those all it does is take me back to where it demands I enter the password (that never existed). I tried to use the Windows 7 Pro 64 bit installation disk but it would not let me do so without the password. I can open the Guest User site but that does not let me access my files. I was told that I probably have a virus that shut down the Administrator site. I did a full scan using MS Essentials and nothing was amiss. I tried to download another virus protector program but was denied due to needing the Administrator password.
I will appreciate any advise that someone will post. I have spent most of 3 days trying to resolve this problem.

Thanks, bjh

Discussion is locked

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Answer
There's always NTPASSWD
Jun 18, 2014 10:25AM PDT

Free, found on the web, and tutorials but the dozens. But in the future never allow your PC to have less than 2 Admin accounts. You'll always want a spare so you can easily fix this.

There's also some decade old advice at http://tips.oncomputers.info/archives2004/0401/2004-Jan-11.htm where we boot a CD to get our files out. 3 days? You should be done inside the next 15 minutes.
Bob

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Clarification
Jun 18, 2014 12:43PM PDT

I thank you for the response but I have no idea as to what you are referring to. I have never used an administrator account password.


Regards, bjh

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Then you want to use a pay solution.
Jun 19, 2014 1:57AM PDT

I use NTPASSWD (free and found on the web) but don't feel bad if that's too techy for you.

Head to http://www.lostpassword.com and get their product.

As to your never used a password, it doesn't matter for many reasons. I'll repeat my advice about the spare admin account as it would have made this a non-event.
Bob

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Apology
Jun 19, 2014 10:15AM PDT

I was very frustrated and tired when I read your advice yesterday. My sinuses had my eyes to the point I was having to squint to read anything. This morning I read it again and clicked on your link about downloading the Knoppix program. I tried to do so from CNET and I ended up with 6 programs I did not want on my computer. I took a break and now I will try to find another web site to download it.

I am an 82 yr old female who wishes she knew more about the innards of a computer. I did set up a 2nd administrator account and have assigned it and mine with passwords.


Regards, bjh

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CNET? Downloads?
Jun 19, 2014 10:45AM PDT

There is CNET, and we have Download.com. I can't write about the second except to avoid it.

Given the story, my nod is for you to use lostpassword.com.
Bob

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Thanks
Jun 19, 2014 11:54AM PDT

Bob, I will try your suggestion of 'lostpassword.com' tomorrow. Just too late today to work on the problem.

Regards, Bettye

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Answer
(NT) then leave it blank and press Enter
Jun 18, 2014 10:33AM PDT
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Password
Jun 18, 2014 12:47PM PDT

I have tried everything I can think of in the password blank...........including not entering anything. It is locked.

Thank you for the response. bjh

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Answer
You mentioned files you wanted
Jun 18, 2014 3:53PM PDT

Download a Linux distro at another computer. Either burn it to DVD or use Universal USB Installer to put it on a USB thumbdrive. It's about a 2-3 GB download. You can then boot to the DVD or the USB drive and use that system to get your files back. Linux doesn't care about Windows security.

I'd suggest this one as the easiest to use and not too big for download, least confusing.

Mint Linux MATE desktop

When you've booted to it, do not clk on the Install. You can use it "as is" for what you want to do.

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Thanks
Jun 19, 2014 10:17AM PDT

I am getting ready to do a Google search for the Linux program to download. Once I am successful, I will try it on the laptop to see if I can unlock it.

Regards, bjh

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LINUX download
Jun 19, 2014 10:46AM PDT

I am confused about the download for Mint Linux MATE desktop. I clicked on your link but it offers me other Mint Linux MATE desktop programs. I could not decide if they were updates or different from MATE.

Regards, bjh

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My advice
Jun 19, 2014 12:36PM PDT

is to take the Linux MATE 32 bit version ISO file. You burn the "image" which the term used for the ISO of the DVD to a DVD-+RW. An ISO file is like a zip file in a way. It has to be expanded to the DVD, therefore it's considered burning the "image" of the DVD to disc.

Use this link and save the file to your drive.

http://linuxfreedom.com/linuxmint/stable/17/linuxmint-17-mate-dvd-32bit.iso

Open some CD and DVD burning software and burn the image to a blank DVD.

Once that's done you can move to the affected computer, put in it's DVD drive and turn on the computer.

Look for a function key that lets you change the boot device.

Choose to boot from the CDROM or DVD, whichever choice is there.

Once it's booted, you can use the file manager in it to find your files, and copy them over to your other computer or to a backup drive.