Windows 7: need help with system repair

I have a Dell NetBook with windows 7. My husband set a password and then forgot it. He searched the internet and tried several things to bypass this, but nothing worked. Now when you start the computer, it asks for HDD password (which thankfully I know because we set it). I cannot get the advanced boot menu to load (tried f8). I can get to the regular boot menu. Can someone tell me how to stop the HDD password at start up?

I've never owned a Dell. But this page seems to have relevant info

Documentation

Hi Pandaroach

My name is Harish and I work for the Social Media and Community Team at Dell.
To disable the password at the startup please follow the steps mentioned below
once we start the system go to Start -> Control Panel -> User Accounts -> Disable Password
Please let us know the progress

Thanks & Regards
Dell_harish_r
Dell Social Media Responder