I need to restore to factory settings without knowing admin password.

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  1. Posts : 6
    32 bit
       #1

    I need to restore to factory settings without knowing admin password.


    Long story short, my brother passed away a few months ago and I'm trying to use his computer. Of course, he is the admin and I cannot figure out the password...

    I've been looking at some tutorials online but I'm seriously lost in all of the information I'm seeing. Can someone walk me through this?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 4,751
    Windows 7 Home Premium 32-Bit - Build 7600 SP1
       #2

    We are not allowed to go in depth on this, but Google has your answer for the password. Thanks
      My Computer

  3.    #3

    It's not necessary to run Factory Recovery which is an inferior install which throttles Win7 with all of the preinstalled crapware and duplicate utilties that have better versions built into Win7.

    Instead I would Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7. Everything you need is in the blue link including tool to copy out any stranded files first.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 6
    32 bit
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Well, the thing is, I cannot get online in the Guest Account and when I download things from my computer and put on a USB, his computer will not let me save it to the hard drive without the password...

    If you don't want to say anything on here can you PM me? Please.
      My Computer

  5.    #5

    Did you miss the advice I just gave you to wipe the HD to Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7?

    Is this preinstalled Windows with a factory COA sticker with a readable Product Key?

    I'm assuming the computer is yours now, however if there are files to rescue there is a step to get them out first.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 6
    32 bit
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Yes, I downloaded what it said but I cannot open it on his computer as it keeps asking for the password... Maybe I'm missing something?

    It does have the Windows sticker on bottom.
      My Computer


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

    The manufacturer of the computer is ?
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 6
    32 bit
    Thread Starter
       #8

    It's a Sony Vaio
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 10,200
    MS Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bit
       #9

    liink to Sony support:
    Sony eSupport - VAIO® Laptop Computers - Select Your Model

    How to order Sony Recovery disks:
    1.Go to http://servicesales.sel.sony.com.
    2.Enter your computer's model number (for example, PCV-XXXX), and click List Parts and accessories.
    3.Follow the online instructions to order the Recovery Media Kit.
    If you are not able to access the Sony Direct Accessories and Parts Center Web site, contact a customer service representative at 1-800-488-7669.

    Sony Drivers
    Sony eSupport - VAIO® Laptop Computers - Select Your Model

    =================================================================

    Appears that the computer has a password set for the hard drive itself.
      My Computer

  10.    #10

    vaughnpereira said:
    Yes, I downloaded what it said but I cannot open it on his computer as it keeps asking for the password... Maybe I'm missing something?

    It does have the Windows sticker on bottom.
    It's asking for a password to boot the disk from the BIOS? Can you enter BIOS setup using the key on the first screen? We need to determine if this is a BIOS password or a Windows password.

    Make sure the COA sticker is for Win7 and which is the licensed version. It would also be good to know what bit version was installed or at least if you have 4gb RAM which is the most recommended dividing point between 32- and 64-bit: 32 bit vs 64 bit Comparison - Windows 7 Forums. This is so you can download the correct installer to burn to DVD or write to flash stick.
    Last edited by gregrocker; 23 May 2012 at 21:37.
      My Computer


 
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