I have purchased a used Compaq Deskpro PIII667. It came from a University. I am having two problems.

1. At startup it asks for a Power-on Password. I have no idea what it is - how can I get around it?

I used the machine before we moved and never had the power-on password prompt but it is set up for an NT 1-2 user network, my second question:

2. It always asks for an administrator password, again I have no idea what it is. How can I get around?

Thank you

Firstly, the Power On password is due to the BIOS. I recommend opening up your computer case (when the power is OFF) and removing the silver, circular BIOS battery (usually something like 'Sony CR2032'). Leave it out for half-an-hour, then replace it. Screw your case back together and turn it back on. This SHOULD reset the BIOS, therefore removing the password lock.

Unless you have an Administrator password (it only has to be for an account with Administrator priveliges) or a password reset disk, I don't think it's possible to get into your computer. If you don't mind getting rid of Windows NT, then you could reinstall it (if you've got the CD and license) and it'd fix the problem. Or, you could install another operating system.

I hope this helps,

James ;)

HI,

This site might help you with the bios and sign-on password.

http://www.thenetworkadministrator.com/passwords.htm

You could also try "Knoppix"-Linux run from a CD. It only costs a few dollars and is available free on many magazine cd's. Because windows is not active it is not protected and you can examine all the windows files with knoppix,including password files. Once you have the password file (c:\\WINNT\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SAM) you can examine it, but because it is encrypted, you will need L0hptcrack. This is available at

http://www.securityfocus.com/tools/.

If you don't need the existing files and set up on the computer it might be easier to just instal another operating system.

Regards