NTPASSWD, found with google lets me reset the admin password in less than 5 minute and is free. Some are put off by the menu which uses numbers instead of a GUI+Mouse but it works.

At least you can get past that hurdle in under 5 minutes.

There are other boot CDs such as UBCD and Hirens that you find with google that have hard drive test apps.

Given the price of a HDD versus a new PC, a HDD around here is cheaper.
Bob