Hello, Friend of mine gave me this laptop Acer Travelmate 605 I think. He did not use it for 2 years and forgot the password. Every time I turn the comp on its asking me a password. How can I solve this issue? I tried to reinstall XP but when I put the disk in the comp, it is requesting the password again. Can anyone help? Thanks.

Have you tried going into "safe mode" and logging into the built-in Administrator account and see if it's password protected. If it isn't (and many times it's not) go into control panel and user accounts and remove the password on the main identity. Hope that helps! Musky If the voices inside my head paid rent, I'd be rich!

Hi Musky, Thanks for suggestions but when the computer screen comes on the password window appears. I can not go into control panel or any other window.

Have you set the boot sequence to be CD first? If not then do so; and all being equal... you will then abe able to re-install XP afresh...

A lot of newer laptops have the password in the hard disk. This is to deter thieves. If the password is in the hard disk. You won't be able to crack it. Some company's offer to unlock it. http://www.pwcrack.com/harddisk.shtml Before posting try google. Backup. Use anti virus software.

mmm - good point and one where there may indeed be little confusion in the info as posted?... "...password windows appears..." Is this the usual/standard XP logon screen (pale blue background etc.) with both user name and password areas; or is it in fact the bios password screen? If the former it will be very familiar to you; if the later it logically many not be one you normally see? Which is it?

Yes it is standard Xp Pro. Log-on screen. It has user name and password areas.