Compaq password reset?

raging bull · 12-03-2022, 14:16

Following a family death, my wife passed on what was a virtually new laptop to me.
Trouble is the deceased person didn't leave any hints on what the 'start up password' was/is.
So all I can say is it is a Compaq with Vista home with a screen size of 17inch.
No password reset keys by the way!
Any suggestions on how to reset to blank?

Jaymoss · 12-03-2022, 14:20

Vista?

I am not sure posting the way around this on a public forum would be allowed but it is doable

Carth · 12-03-2022, 14:26

Hirens Boot CD will 'probably' allow you to reset the password

long time since I've used it though, try google/youtube for info

admars · 12-03-2022, 15:20

https://ophcrack.sourceforge.io/

Jaymoss · 12-03-2022, 16:26

looks like it might be ok to post it on an open forum after all although I still would have thought it might be something the Admin might not want on here

raging bull · 12-03-2022, 16:59

My wife advised me that it was only used to store family photos?
Expensive way to store, was sold this together with Norton and backup software yet no access to the net.

pip08456 · 12-03-2022, 18:07

Use THIS

General Maximus · 12-03-2022, 23:39

when you say start up password are talking about the Windows sign in password or a bios password for boot?

Jaymoss · 12-03-2022, 23:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by General Maximus

when you say start up password are talking about the Windows sign in password or a bios password for boot?

I am still trying to get my head around Virtually new and Vista

gonna actually modify my advice and advise install Windows 10 on it

General Maximus · 13-03-2022, 09:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaymoss

I am still trying to get my head around Virtually new and Vista

gonna actually modify my advice and advise install Windows 10 on it

Ya. Tbh dude if it has got Windows Vista on it and is circa 2014 or before you might find it has only got 2gb or 3gb ram and if that is the case you are really going to struggle. Vista is massively outdated and the problem you have got is if you put another OS on it you are going to need more ram. If you look up the specs you'll probably find the motherboard supports 4gb ram max if you wanted to upgrade it but imho it isn't enough. Let's not talk about the processor (Celeron). If things work out you can get a copy of Windows 10 from here:

https://theunitysoft.com/product-cat...ws/windows-10/

They give you the key immediately and you can download and create your own installation media on a dvd or stick. I would say a stick because installation is lightning fast but given the age of the laptop it is probably going to take 30 mins at least.

Carth · 13-03-2022, 09:58

. . . . . or alternatively throw a linux distro on it

Jaymoss · 13-03-2022, 11:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by General Maximus

Ya. Tbh dude if it has got Windows Vista on it and is circa 2014 or before you might find it has only got 2gb or 3gb ram and if that is the case you are really going to struggle. Vista is massively outdated and the problem you have got is if you put another OS on it you are going to need more ram. If you look up the specs you'll probably find the motherboard supports 4gb ram max if you wanted to upgrade it but imho it isn't enough. Let's not talk about the processor (Celeron). If things work out you can get a copy of Windows 10 from here:

https://theunitysoft.com/product-cat...ws/windows-10/

They give you the key immediately and you can download and create your own installation media on a dvd or stick. I would say a stick because installation is lightning fast but given the age of the laptop it is probably going to take 30 mins at least.

Are their download editions 32 and 64 bit? as really 32 bit would be better due to likely lack of ram

**Paul** · 13-03-2022, 17:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by General Maximus

when you say start up password are talking about the Windows sign in password or a bios password for boot?

A "start up" password sounds very much like a bios password.

Jaymoss · 13-03-2022, 18:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul

A "start up" password sounds very much like a bios password.

Could be either I guess

If it is bios then often there are password to bypass it

If it is bios then attempt until you are locked out. Make note of the code it gives. https://www.biosbug.com/hp-8-digit-legacy/ go here and insert code. Make note of the code it gives you and try that.

Only ever had to use it once but it worked when I did

https://www.biosbug.com/hp-5-digit-legacy/ this is in case you get a 5 digit lock code

pip08456 · 13-03-2022, 19:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaymoss

Could be either I guess

If it is bios then often there are password to bypass it

If it is bios then attempt until you are locked out. Make note of the code it gives. https://www.biosbug.com/hp-8-digit-legacy/ go here and insert code. Make note of the code it gives you and try that.

Only ever had to use it once but it worked when I did

https://www.biosbug.com/hp-5-digit-legacy/ this is in case you get a 5 digit lock code

I think you'll find Paul was being sarcastic, you don't need to enter the BIOS for start up boot.

For a compac:

Press the "F10" key as soon as the computer begins to boot. ...
Press the right arrow key three times to access the boot menu.
Change the "1st Boot Device" setting to the drive you wish to boot from, such as your CD-ROM drive.

The OP will still have to enter the OS password to boot into the system.

I've given him the answer to that.