Locked out

Hi guys, nice site. This is my first post.

I'm locked out of 7 because I forgot my password. I've tried the disc repair feature, and a password recovery program that won't run. I cannot get past the login screen and I cannot get installation disc to run in order to try to re-install.
If I press F2 at boot up I need the password. If I press F8 I get a repair option that finally tells me that there's nothing wrong.
It would seem that I need to rip the hard drive out and get a new one. Windows 7 has invaded my space!!! LOL
BTW, this was an upgrade from Vista. A legal one I might add.

Hi and welcome.

You can do a clean install by booting to the DVD.

First though, I'd give this little utility a try. Try to blank the password instead of making a new one. Then just hit enter at login, for the password.

If it works, then create a new password once in Windows.

You could go here and see what can be done... used to work for XP/Vista and I can't see any reason why it won't work for W7 really...

Windows XP Login Recovery - Window password recovery within minutes.

Choose the free option, it takes longer, but gets the same result.

torrentg said:

Hi and welcome.

You can do a clean install by booting to the DVD.

First though, I'd give this little utility a try. Try to blank the password instead of making a new one. Then just hit enter at login, for the password.

If it works, then create a new password once in Windows.

Thanks, but no go. Also, how do I get it to boot to the DVD? It will only go to login screen. I've tried rebooting with the install disc in the drive, and hitting f8 at start up, but I don't get an option to boot install dvd.

Go into your BIOS and change the boot order. Usually you have to tap F2, Del or F10 on some machines...

Qdos said:

Go into your BIOS and change the boot order. Usually you have to tap F2, Del or F10 on some machines...

I can't get into BIOS, cuz I'm asked for password there as well. As for the recovery CD, the computer is not seeing it apparently.

thebilger said:

Qdos said:

Go into your BIOS and change the boot order. Usually you have to tap F2, Del or F10 on some machines...

I can't get into BIOS, cuz I'm asked for password there as well. As for the recovery CD, the computer is not seeing it apparently.

Bios password and Windows password are totally separate things.

If you don't know your bios password, you can reset it by pulling the battery out or setting the jumper temporarily, for the purpose of cmos reset.

The cd had to have been burned as .iso, not data.

OK, I tapped delete while booting and got into a Memory Diagnostics Tool screen. Running that now, will post results.

torrentg said:

thebilger said:

Qdos said:

Go into your BIOS and change the boot order. Usually you have to tap F2, Del or F10 on some machines...

I can't get into BIOS, cuz I'm asked for password there as well. As for the recovery CD, the computer is not seeing it apparently.

Bios password and Windows password are totally separate things.

If you don't know your bios password, you can reset it by pulling the battery out or setting the jumper temporarily, for the purpose of cmos reset.

The cd had to have been burned as .iso, not data.

Will try the battery reset after diagnostics finishes running.

What are you running diagnostics for? It won't help with amnesia!

I'm not sure how you can credibly lose both your BIOS and Windows passwords...