so my laptop's harddrive went kaput...

[wildbilln864]

so I took a hard drive from another laptop I had shelved a while back when it stopped coming on completely. Surprisingly it worked just fine except now i cannot remember the administrator's password for it so I can't alter the HD or ad any programs. is there a way to rest it or what can i do?
Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[ucrdem]

1. Ouch that's a PITA.

Try searching your Windows user-name from the start button search box, in case you saved your password and user-name in a text file somewhere. If you can't remember the user-name, try opening a command prompt (type cmd in the search box), then whoami. It should give your log-on name which might help recall the password. If that doesn't work there are tricks and work-arounds galore, depending on your windows version and laptop model, but the basic strategy is to find a way to add another admin account, and then delete the old one or reset the pw. There are also warez that promise to extract passwords, like magicjellybean. Here are a few tips on finding Win7 passwords: http://www.howtogeek.com/96630/how-to-reset-your-forgotten-windows-password-the-easy-way/

[wildbilln864]

2. thanks I'll try that link but...

I remember the user name just can't freaking recall the dang password. been a few years since I was on that laptop. Tried everything could think of to remember it but no luck..

[ucrdem]

3. Maybe you didn't use one?

In which case you'd just click in the box, but not enter text. Suggestions from other DUers:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/109510756

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1095970

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10956199

[wildbilln864]

4. thanks again...

I always use passwords. unfortunately.
but I will check em out tomorrow after work.

[ucrdem]

5. That's the spirit.

Wish I had a magic bullet but if you're patient something usually turns up. It took me 10 months to recover a hard drive I'd hosed after accidentally hosing the BIOS in my pride and joy but eventually I recovered both. It helps to have a backup PC.

p.s. I also managed to nuke the backup while waiting for a new harddrive from Amazon, LOL. I've had Prime-by-the-month ever since.