User password


  1. Posts : 17
    windows 7
       #1

    User password


    Running Windows 7 and have added a second drive which has a user password on it from a previous installation of XP.
    Iv'e tried to access the second drive for the files I need but it won't let me.
    What's the answer?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 1,506
    W7 Ult. x64 | OS X
       #2

    From what I can tell, accomplishing this task without major hardware tinkering is next to impossible. However, here are some tips from around the web.

    To access the hard drive you may need to take ownership of it.

    • Log into your PC w/ Admin Priviledges
    • Find the folder/hard drive you wish to access
    • Right Click > Properties > Security > Advanced > Owner Tab
    • Highlight Administrator
    • Check Replace owner on...
    • OK, wait.


    Source: http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;308421

    If you had a EFS (Encrypted File System) then you may need to retrieve the private key.

    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/241201
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 29
    XP/Windows 7
       #3

    A friend also had a similar problem and couldnt acess the computer without the password, but didnt want to just format over the data. Instead he managed to find a Windows XP Recovery disk, that bypassed the password screen. (Somebody came to fix his computer and accidentally left the disk in the computer :) ). Im guessing notsograymatter's way will work :)
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 10,200
    MS Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bit
       #4

    AussieFly,
    And what happens if you take something like PuppyLinux ( a small, easy-to-use linux) which even I was able to use?

    Can you then access your stuff there and move it someplace else in preparation of simply formatting the drive?
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 17
    windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Is it easier if I connect the drive to my work computor which is running XP.
    I do have the password for the drive.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 10,200
    MS Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bit
       #6

    AussieFly,
    Yes.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 1,506
    W7 Ult. x64 | OS X
       #7

    It may be easier from the XP computer, but you should still be able to use the process I outlined via the computer you're at now. If it doesn't work, then you can try again via the XP system.
      My Computer


 

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