Forgotten Administrator Password

[Mizz Dubber]

Hello!

I have a spare computer with Win 98SE that I haven't used for quite some
time. I recently attempted to fire her up only to discover that I've
completely forgotten my Administrator password. I can't get past the Windows
login screen.

Can anyone tell me what to do? Is there a way to reset it after proving my
identity or something like that? I've spent hours on the Win98 Knowledge
Base pages and found nothing!

Please email me at kaydubber@gmail.com

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[MEB]

"Mizz Dubber" <Mizz Dubber@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:82954F8E-E435-458D-880F-8CE0B0B827F1@microsoft.com...
| Hello!
|
| I have a spare computer with Win 98SE that I haven't used for quite some
| time. I recently attempted to fire her up only to discover that I've
| completely forgotten my Administrator password. I can't get past the
Windows
| login screen.
|
| Can anyone tell me what to do? Is there a way to reset it after proving
my
| identity or something like that? I've spent hours on the Win98 Knowledge
| Base pages and found nothing!
|
| Please email me at kaydubber@gmail.com
|
| Any help is greatly appreciated.
|
| Thank you!

Unless you used policies, you have no administrator password.

IF you can't boot, and it doesn't get past the BIOS, you have a BIOS/CMOS
password. If so, we need the make and model of your computer to properly
advise how to clear it.

IF you're referring to the first logon screen and its asking for your
network password, then that can be cleared by starting in Safe Mode and
changing the setting in Networking from Microsoft Network client to Windows
Family Logon, then restarting.

IF already using Windows Family Logon, and you are not getting full access,
then you will need to do some modifications to the system to remove *.pwl
files and other aspects. However, before attempting to do this, please
advise the group so you can be properly directed.

--
MEB
http://peoplescounsel.orgfree.com
________

 

[Mizz Dubber]

Thank you! I'm only semi-literate with computers and a lot of what you wrote
is Greek to me, LOL. However, I will print this out and show it to my
roommate who might know what it all means and the information you asked
about. He's the one who set up my computer for me and knows much more about
it than I do.

I will post his answers and questions soon.

Thanks again!

"MEB" wrote:

>
>
> "Mizz Dubber" <Mizz Dubber@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:82954F8E-E435-458D-880F-8CE0B0B827F1@microsoft.com...
> | Hello!
> |
> | I have a spare computer with Win 98SE that I haven't used for quite some
> | time. I recently attempted to fire her up only to discover that I've
> | completely forgotten my Administrator password. I can't get past the
> Windows
> | login screen.
> |
> | Can anyone tell me what to do? Is there a way to reset it after proving
> my
> | identity or something like that? I've spent hours on the Win98 Knowledge
> | Base pages and found nothing!
> |
> | Please email me at kaydubber@gmail.com
> |
> | Any help is greatly appreciated.
> |
> | Thank you!
>
> Unless you used policies, you have no administrator password.
>
> IF you can't boot, and it doesn't get past the BIOS, you have a BIOS/CMOS
> password. If so, we need the make and model of your computer to properly
> advise how to clear it.
>
> IF you're referring to the first logon screen and its asking for your
> network password, then that can be cleared by starting in Safe Mode and
> changing the setting in Networking from Microsoft Network client to Windows
> Family Logon, then restarting.
>
> IF already using Windows Family Logon, and you are not getting full access,
> then you will need to do some modifications to the system to remove *.pwl
> files and other aspects. However, before attempting to do this, please
> advise the group so you can be properly directed.
>
> --
> MEB
> http://peoplescounsel.orgfree.com
> ________
>
>
>
>

 

[glee]

Assuming you mean the Windows logon box in Win98, you can clear the password and
create a new one, this way:
Start the computer.
If the log-on box comes up to type in a user name and password, click Cancel.
Click Start> Find> Files or Folders, choose the C: drive in the 'Look In' box, and
in the 'Named' box, type: *.pwl
(That's asterisk dot pwl)
Click Find Now.

In the list of found files, right-click each file, and then click Delete. Repeat
until all of the .pwl files are deleted.
Close the Find box.
Restart the computer.

Log in as what ever name you want to create, leave the password box blank, and click
OK...NOT Cancel.
If it asks to confirm the password, leave it blank again and click OK.

Afterwards, to find any desktop items or Start Menu items that you may not see, open
Windows Explorer, expand the C:\Windows\Profiles folder tree, and drag needed items
from the Start Menu and desktop subfolders for the profiles(s), to the
C:\Windows\Start Menu folder tree, and the C:\Windows\Desktop folder.

Also read here:

How to Prevent a Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows Me Logon Prompt at Startup:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=152104

No Windows or Network Logon Dialog Box at Startup
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=141858
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+
http://dts-l.org/
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


"Mizz Dubber" <Mizz Dubber@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:82954F8E-E435-458D-880F-8CE0B0B827F1@microsoft.com...
> Hello!
>
> I have a spare computer with Win 98SE that I haven't used for quite some
> time. I recently attempted to fire her up only to discover that I've
> completely forgotten my Administrator password. I can't get past the Windows
> login screen.
>
> Can anyone tell me what to do? Is there a way to reset it after proving my
> identity or something like that? I've spent hours on the Win98 Knowledge
> Base pages and found nothing!
>
> Please email me at kaydubber@gmail.com
>
> Any help is greatly appreciated.
>
> Thank you!

 

[Mizz Dubber]

"glee" wrote:

> Assuming you mean the Windows logon box in Win98, you can clear the password and
> create a new one, this way:
> Start the computer.
> If the log-on box comes up to type in a user name and password, click Cancel.
> Click Start> Find> Files or Folders, choose the C: drive in the 'Look In' box, and
> in the 'Named' box, type: *.pwl
> (That's asterisk dot pwl)
> Click Find Now.
>
> In the list of found files, right-click each file, and then click Delete. Repeat
> until all of the .pwl files are deleted.
> Close the Find box.
> Restart the computer.
>
> Log in as what ever name you want to create, leave the password box blank, and click
> OK...NOT Cancel.
> If it asks to confirm the password, leave it blank again and click OK.
>
> Afterwards, to find any desktop items or Start Menu items that you may not see, open
> Windows Explorer, expand the C:\Windows\Profiles folder tree, and drag needed items
> from the Start Menu and desktop subfolders for the profiles(s), to the
> C:\Windows\Start Menu folder tree, and the C:\Windows\Desktop folder.
>
> Also read here:
>
> How to Prevent a Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows Me Logon Prompt at Startup:
> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=152104
>
> No Windows or Network Logon Dialog Box at Startup
> http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=141858
> --
> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+
> http://dts-l.org/
> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
>
>
> "Mizz Dubber" <Mizz Dubber@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:82954F8E-E435-458D-880F-8CE0B0B827F1@microsoft.com...
> > Hello!
> >
> > I have a spare computer with Win 98SE that I haven't used for quite some
> > time. I recently attempted to fire her up only to discover that I've
> > completely forgotten my Administrator password. I can't get past the Windows
> > login screen.
> >
> > Can anyone tell me what to do? Is there a way to reset it after proving my
> > identity or something like that? I've spent hours on the Win98 Knowledge
> > Base pages and found nothing!
> >
> > Please email me at kaydubber@gmail.com
> >
> > Any help is greatly appreciated.
> >
> > Thank you!
>
>

 

[Mizz Dubber]

Well! I see the reply I posted didn't post! I'll try again.

To clarify, it's the Master password (I think) I've forgotten. It's the
first screen you see after turning on the computer and finishes all the start
up stuff. It's a blue screen with a box for the password. I can't get past
that screen without a password.

I had a thought. We're in the process of dismantling the spare computer and
using parts here and there for our other computers. I just need all the info
from the hard drive transferred to my new WinXP computer. Could I just
remove the hard drive from the spare and install it in the new computer? Or
will it still require a password?

I will pass all your suggestions on to my roommate and see if he is able to
solve the problem. I will report back soon.

Thanks again!

"glee" wrote:

> Assuming you mean the Windows logon box in Win98, you can clear the password and
> create a new one, this way:
> Start the computer.
> If the log-on box comes up to type in a user name and password, click Cancel.
> Click Start> Find> Files or Folders, choose the C: drive in the 'Look In' box, and
> in the 'Named' box, type: *.pwl
> (That's asterisk dot pwl)
> Click Find Now.
>
> In the list of found files, right-click each file, and then click Delete. Repeat
> until all of the .pwl files are deleted.
> Close the Find box.
> Restart the computer.
>
> Log in as what ever name you want to create, leave the password box blank, and click
> OK...NOT Cancel.
> If it asks to confirm the password, leave it blank again and click OK.
>
> Afterwards, to find any desktop items or Start Menu items that you may not see, open
> Windows Explorer, expand the C:\Windows\Profiles folder tree, and drag needed items
> from the Start Menu and desktop subfolders for the profiles(s), to the
> C:\Windows\Start Menu folder tree, and the C:\Windows\Desktop folder.
>
> Also read here:
>
> How to Prevent a Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows Me Logon Prompt at Startup:
> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=152104
>
> No Windows or Network Logon Dialog Box at Startup
> http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=141858
> --
> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+
> http://dts-l.org/
> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
>
>
> "Mizz Dubber" <Mizz Dubber@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:82954F8E-E435-458D-880F-8CE0B0B827F1@microsoft.com...
> > Hello!
> >
> > I have a spare computer with Win 98SE that I haven't used for quite some
> > time. I recently attempted to fire her up only to discover that I've
> > completely forgotten my Administrator password. I can't get past the Windows
> > login screen.
> >
> > Can anyone tell me what to do? Is there a way to reset it after proving my
> > identity or something like that? I've spent hours on the Win98 Knowledge
> > Base pages and found nothing!
> >
> > Please email me at kaydubber@gmail.com
> >
> > Any help is greatly appreciated.
> >
> > Thank you!
>
>

 

[Don Phillipson]

Mizz Dubber wrote:

> We're in the process of dismantling the spare computer and
> using parts here and there for our other computers. I just need all the info
> from the hard drive transferred to my new WinXP computer. Could I just
> remove the hard drive from the spare and install it in the new computer? Or
> will it still require a password?

Yes -- assuming you have a vacant IDE connector
you can just add the old hard drive to the new
PC, the WinXP will recognize the extra drive, and
you can just copy stuff over. This is the simplest
way to transfer any bulky data.

Look on the Internet for instructions how to
connect an IDE drive. You need to check whether
its jumper (movable switch on the back panel) is
set right (as Master or Slave unless you have
special autodetecting cables.) IDE drives allow
connecting two drives via a single socket and must
be thus differentiated.

Don P
Carlsbad Springs, Canada

 

[glee]

Replies inline....
"Mizz Dubber" <MizzDubber@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news0E188F4-80C0-403B-A5BB-DD90BFFBDD90@microsoft.com...
> Well! I see the reply I posted didn't post! I'll try again.
>
> To clarify, it's the Master password (I think) I've forgotten. It's the
> first screen you see after turning on the computer and finishes all the start
> up stuff. It's a blue screen with a box for the password. I can't get past
> that screen without a password.

The screen I was referring to in my reply is the Windows 98 logon screen, and it
looks like this:
http://www.guidebookgallery.org/pics/gui/startupshutdown/login/win98.png

That does not appear to be what you are referring to. Your description appears to
be a password screen *before* any portion of Windows ever loads.....is that correct?
You see only a blue screen with a password box, and no OK or Cancel buttons? If
that's the case, it sounds like a BIOS password. Clearing a BIOS password is a
whole other process, but based on what you stated below, you may not want to bother
with it.


> I had a thought. We're in the process of dismantling the spare computer and
> using parts here and there for our other computers. I just need all the info
> from the hard drive transferred to my new WinXP computer. Could I just
> remove the hard drive from the spare and install it in the new computer? Or
> will it still require a password?

If you just want the data off the hard drive in the 98 computer, then yes, you can
slave it into the XP computer and copy off what you want via Windows Explorer.


> I will pass all your suggestions on to my roommate and see if he is able to
> solve the problem. I will report back soon.
>
> Thanks again!

OK.

>
> "glee" wrote:
>
>> Assuming you mean the Windows logon box in Win98, you can clear the password and
>> create a new one, this way:
>> Start the computer.
>> If the log-on box comes up to type in a user name and password, click Cancel.
>> Click Start> Find> Files or Folders, choose the C: drive in the 'Look In' box,
>> and
>> in the 'Named' box, type: *.pwl
>> (That's asterisk dot pwl)
>> Click Find Now.
>>
>> In the list of found files, right-click each file, and then click Delete. Repeat
>> until all of the .pwl files are deleted.
>> Close the Find box.
>> Restart the computer.
>>
>> Log in as what ever name you want to create, leave the password box blank, and
>> click
>> OK...NOT Cancel.
>> If it asks to confirm the password, leave it blank again and click OK.
>>
>> Afterwards, to find any desktop items or Start Menu items that you may not see,
>> open
>> Windows Explorer, expand the C:\Windows\Profiles folder tree, and drag needed
>> items
>> from the Start Menu and desktop subfolders for the profiles(s), to the
>> C:\Windows\Start Menu folder tree, and the C:\Windows\Desktop folder.
>>
>> Also read here:
>>
>> How to Prevent a Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows Me Logon Prompt at Startup:
>> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=152104
>>
>> No Windows or Network Logon Dialog Box at Startup
>> http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=141858

>>
>>
>> "Mizz Dubber" <Mizz Dubber@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news:82954F8E-E435-458D-880F-8CE0B0B827F1@microsoft.com...
>> > Hello!
>> >
>> > I have a spare computer with Win 98SE that I haven't used for quite some
>> > time. I recently attempted to fire her up only to discover that I've
>> > completely forgotten my Administrator password. I can't get past the Windows
>> > login screen.
>> >
>> > Can anyone tell me what to do? Is there a way to reset it after proving my
>> > identity or something like that? I've spent hours on the Win98 Knowledge
>> > Base pages and found nothing!
>> >
>> > Please email me at kaydubber@gmail.com
>> >
>> > Any help is greatly appreciated.
>> >
>> > Thank you!

--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+
http://dts-l.org/
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm