Break into Windows without a password

It does not happen that often, but when someone in the office forgets their recently changed Windows password, it can potentially leave an entire PC out of action until you reformat the entire hard drive.

If it happens to you, do not panic!  Help is at hand, breaking into a password protected PC is far easier than you might think.  The only problem is that this method also leaves your laptop or PC open to people with more dubious intentions.

If you have absolutely no idea what your password is, follow these very easy steps.

1) Log in using “safe-mode.”

Nearly all Windows computers have this option and the majority will boot in safe-mode if you hold down the F8 button when the computer starts up.

2) Sign in as “Administrator”

Without knowing it, most people have this administrator account hidden on their Windows installation.  The username is administrator, leave the password field empty.

3) Change your password.

Scary eh?  You are now logged in to the system, you have access to all your files, and by going to the control panel and then users, you can change your password to something more memorable.

How to stop this

The above illustrates how ridiculously easy it is to bypass a Windows login password, and although handy at times, it might leave a nasty taste in the mouth of users who value security.

Ultimately, there is no surefire way of protecting a PC or laptop due to the multitude of CD boot hacks and password retrieval programs freely available on the internet.  The quickest way to at least make a potential intruder’s life more difficult is to setup a boot password, i.e. a password that your computer requires before it even boots up Windows.  This can usually be done by accessing your computer’s boot settings and your computer should indicate the key to press to access this when you turn your computer on.  This method isn’t completely intruder-proof, but far more secure than relying on a windows password alone.