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

Question

Need help.

May 24, 2011 5:39AM PDT

Please keep in that I'm more of a newbie than anything else. I own my computer & thought I was the Administrator but when I go into Task Mgr. It asked for my password which I don't know. A few years ago a friend of a friend came and cleaned the computer or something & used "test" as the owner. How do I find my password?

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Clarification Request
Which OS?
May 24, 2011 5:42AM PDT

The fix varies with what version windows. Skill helps a little here but mostly on the pocketbook.

For example I use NTPASSWD (see google) which is free but some folk can't make or boot the CD which means they have to use something like http://www.lostpassword.com

At least it's cheap enough.
Bob

- Collapse -
Answer
If You Can Install Programs, Then You May Be An Admin...
May 27, 2011 1:27PM PDT

If that's the case, have you tried creating a new password for the "Test" user? Try this:

If you're using Windows XP.... Click on Start, select "Run", then type CONTROL userpasswords2, then click on OK. When the "User Accounts" screen loads, then highlight the "Test" user, click on the "Reset Password" button, then create a new password for that user..

If that doesn't work, if you're using Windows XP, try checking to see if the hidden adminstrator password is still blank on your computer.. So, restart the computer into Safe Mode. If you're using a "Welcome" screen, then select the "administrator" username listed there. (If you're not using the Welcome Screen, then type "administrator" in the "username line".) Now leave the "password" line blank and press the "Enter" key.. If the computer starts correctly using the hidden "adminstrator" login, then follow the previous instructions above to use "CONTROL userpasswords2" and change the "Test" user's password.

How To Start In 'Safe Mode'

Hope this helps.

Grif