Helping people with computers... one answer at a time.
It's not difficult at all to gain access to a used computer running Windows without knowing the password. You just don't want to.
I purchased a comp at garage sale but they did not know main password is there a way I can get this free. Hope I did not throw my money away.
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I'll assume you mean the Windows login password.
I'll show you how you can bypass that and set your own - it's really not that hard.
And then I'll tell you why you really, REALLY, REALLY don't want to do what I suspect you're planning to do.
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To clarify the situation, you've just picked up a used computer. The machine has some version of Microsoft Windows already installed on it, presumably belonging to the previous owner. It's asking you for a login password, and of course you don't know what that is.
To answer your immediate question: I can't get you the password, but you can set your own. This article will walk you through the steps to reset the administrator account and gain access to the entire Windows installation: I've lost the password to my Windows Administrator account, how do I get it back?
Having said that...
Don't do it!
Here's the problem: you have no idea what's on that machine.
Sure, it has Windows.
It could also have lots and lots of malware. The machine could be thoroughly infected with viruses and spyware.
Or worse.
And even with all the anti-malware tools in the world, there's simply no way to know - I mean really know - that the machine has been cleaned up.
The only practical thing to do, the only safe thing to do, is this:
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Run a tool like DBAN to completely erase everything on the hard drive.
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Reinstall Windows from scratch.
That means that either you'll have wanted to make sure to get the Windows installation media that came with the machine when you purchased it, or you should plan on purchasing a new copy of Windows to be installed on that machine. (If the cost is prohibitive you might also look into free alternatives like Ubuntu Linux.)
Do not rely on pre-installed Windows on a used machine. It's simply not safe.
Side Note: An Important Lesson
As I said, you don't know what's on that machine. It could have tons of illegal content on it, malware, or ... it could have sensitive data that the prior owner should have erased.
Don't be that prior owner.
When it comes time for you to dispose of a machine, make sure to completely erase the hard disk before getting rid of it. Too many machines found in flea markets, garage sales or on Craigslist accidentally have personal information that the prior owner simply "forgot" to remove.
Use DBAN before you get rid of your old machine.
Article C4287 - April 29, 2010
Leo A. Notenboom has been playing with computers since he
was required to take a programming class in 1976. An 18 year career as a programmer at Microsoft soon followed.
After "retiring" in 2001, Leo started Ask Leo! in 2003 as a place for answers
to common computer and technical questions. More about Leo.
Crazy paranoia will put you in the loony bin. Most S/H computers will have nothing more than a few nasties ( spyware and viruses ), and some silly files, like letters to aunt Sally. The first you remove with standard security programs, and the second you delete, then run erase unused disc space with Eraser, to completely remove all traces of the previous owners documents.
Now you have a clean computer, but be smart and get the license key ( often a sticker on the box ), and driver details, so you can reinstall XP. The cops will not prosecute you for having kiddy porn on a machine you innocently bought, especially if you tell them about it, which you won't, because they will promptly impound it as evidence.
My tech friends do this all the time, and have never had any problems. Leo and other are only telling you the worst case scenario, if you don't do the above.
Regards Bill3.
Posted by: bILL3 at May 4, 2010 8:21 PMIf the computer has a legit coppy of Windows{sticker should be on the case somewhere with number} all is well to borrow a copy of Windows DVD from a friend {same edition} and reinstall using the number on your sticker when asked. If any problems ring up activation and answer a few easy questions and you should be in business.
You can also do a full format in ntfs if you prefer although any preinstalled software will be deleted.
Cracking password info will not be found on this site for obvious reasons..I recall reading somewhere.
Jp
Posted by: johnpro2 at May 4, 2010 9:29 PMI recommended try to Step 1: Start Windows PC
Step 2: When you can see the Windows login screen, press ctrl+alt+del keys Twice and it'll show Classic Login box
Step 3: Type Administrator as Username and leave the Password field blank
Step 4: Press the Enter Key and then you can be able to login the default windows administrator account which is it created by default when install windows.
Note: When you input the key combination Please don’t put the cursor on any account. And if you change the name or password before, you cannot login by this way.
more free windows password recovery way refer to http://blog.resetwindowspassword.com/how-to-recover-and-reset-password-in-vistaxp20032knt-for-free
Posted by: Jesus_wu at May 11, 2010 2:13 AMYou can login in administrator account to delete your username or password.
Posted by: cocoly at May 31, 2010 8:36 PMOr you using Windows Password Unlocker to reset your user password.
I bought a used computer and can't get the previous owner password and user to log on further.
05-Apr-2012
Posted by: dorothy at April 5, 2012 5:52 AM