Currently I am setting up a few computers at a soup kitchen, they are relatively old and they were obtained from a company who was just going to discard them. However I cant get into NT because I dont have the password, the only username that pops up is the administrator and I have no idea what the password to it is... how do I either a. get around this, or b. reset the password without formatting the computer, as I dont have a copy of the os to put back on it......please help!

Bit naughty to really consider using them with previous owner's installation intact... There are licensing issues here and I think technically you are likely to be infringing them?

Nonethless cannot the original owner provide you with the Admin password? Failing that there are utils out there that will enable you in effect reset it/allow you set a new one... They are freely available and "legal".

As regards passwords to try; have you entered Administrator (i.e. same as the proffered login name)?

Check with the company first; if no joy there then post back for details of utils mentioned above (or go hunting for them yourself?).

I don't paticularly care about the legalities.

And a soup kitchen doesn't sound like a high value target.

Try password and PASSWORD.

If no joy, proceed as per #1.

With no NT CD, you're skating on thin ice. Something will get corrupted at the least convenient time.

Talk to the donating company. Maybe they'll give you CDs / COAs.

Offer the bigwigs a photo-op handing over the goods.

They love that schmooze.

M2