Accessing windows 7 without a password?

Energize · 20 Apr 2010 at 15:32

A client has left me their pc without a password and I need to get on it to diagnose the computer and access the contents of the hard drive. I see that safe mode no longer works, is there any way to create a new admin user through the command line without having to log on to windows first? Would prefer not to have to fiddle with a live usb.

Energize · 20 Apr 2010 at 15:40

Thanks, shocking that Microsoft do not yet use salts in the 21st century, how embarassing for them. It's no wonder people say windows is insecure.

Energize · 20 Apr 2010 at 16:57

Speed said:
I'm sure one of these will do the trick, the first one looks good, bootable cd etc.

http://pcsupport.about.com/od/toolsofthetrade/tp/passrecovery.htm

OPHcrack didn't work.

Energize · 20 Apr 2010 at 22:47

I can't access the admin account, it doesn't appear in safe mode.

Energize · 21 Apr 2010 at 14:37

rexehuk said:
Are you sure OHPCrack didn't work? I assume you downloaded all the rainbow tables?

I downloaded the vista live cd, that's the right one right?

I will contact the client after work if I can't find the password. Isn't there some way to enable the admin account from a boot cd? As mentioned above I would remove the password in most situations but I can't risk it causing a problem here.

Energize · 21 Apr 2010 at 16:13

ajstan said:
OPH crack has worked in the past for me

Maybe you hadn't noticed in the above picture, but I'm not having the same luck.

Energize · 21 Apr 2010 at 16:21

bledd. said:
I've not used oph in a while, but looking at that it looks as if administrator doesn't have one set.. try administrator / blank ..

Sorry, where do I enter that?

Energize · 21 Apr 2010 at 17:06

bledd. said:
I assume Windows 7 still has it

When you're at the login screen, press ctrl/alt/del twice, it should bring up a classic login screen, enter administrator into there.

^not sure if Vista/7 have this..

Safemode should be accessable with that though I think

Ctrl + Alt + Del does nothing, safe mode or otherwise.

Energize · 21 Apr 2010 at 17:14

Correct, there is no switch user button.