Solved How do I unlock admin with no admin access

[spezticle]

So, here's what I did.
Fresh install of Windows 7 x64 Pro.
Default initial user is "Benjamin"
created a second user, "Adam"
created a third user, "root"

Next security setup.
I removed administrator privileges from Benjamin.
Adam was created with no administrator privileges.
root was given administrator privileges.

Then I went into the local security policy to deny root from logging into the system locally.

Well, I learned that yes, this prevents root from logging into his account as a desktop user, but I did not expect it to prevent me from temporarily escalating my privileges to administrator while logged in as Benjamin.

I'm used to a Linux environment where it is normal that root can not log in but you can escalate. Is it possible to regain control of my system or do I need to reinstall?

Thanks in advance,

 

[brady]

WinInternals Locksmith or reinstall

 

[jeepmann4x4]

Not sure if I'm reading this right but can't you just start in Safe Mode and log in as admin, because windows has a "hidden Admin Acct." or Safe Mode with command prompt and activate the "hidden Admin Acct." by using " net user administrator /active:yes " or

If you have a Windows 7 installation DVD (not a recovery DVD) you can boot the system with it. Select the default language, then choose "Repair your computer". Then select "Command Prompt". At the command prompt type:

net user administrator /active:yes [enter]

Remove the DVD, reboot the computer, and log into the built-in Administrator account.
Also check Here http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/507-built-administrator-account-enable-disable.html

 

[spezticle]

Oh, I had not even thought about this method, either. I have used windows so infrequently since I moved to Linux primarily, i'm a little rusty with it.
This seems like an easy idea. I'll try this. Though, I DO want to try the other method as well. I'll try all the LOGICAL *coughs*crimson*/coughs* suggestions a go and i'll post results back, maybe by this weekend.

And a side note, Thank you crimson, this was a great read. I'm printing this thread and sharing it with my security classmates for discussion.

 

[jeepmann4x4]

I see this thread is Marked "Solved" now! ... Did one of the above work for you? If so/not please reply back and post what did. Just in-case others might have the same issue.

 

[bdman32]

Or you could try the Ultimate Booot CD for windows, it has a utility called NTPEdit that will change passwords

 

[spezticle]

Oh hey, i see the thread was restored, thanks very much! The first method I tried to solve the issue was one suggestion that was removed from the original thread. I'll take that as a hint and just say this: just because I'm a dork (and I know how to unlock my system again easily now) I'll lock myself out again the way I did originally and try the other methods that are in this thread and post back with results

 

[Imperfect1]

Glad you got your problem solved spezticle. By the way, we would all like to know how you got yourself back into your system --- I thought that was the whole purpose of restoring this thread --- to offer help to members with the same problem.

 

[spezticle]

Glad you got your problem solved spezticle. By the way, we would all like to know how you got yourself back into your system --- I thought that was the whole purpose of restoring this thread --- to offer help to members with the same problem.

Of course, I've been a bit busy this week, it's been crazy busy.
I used the Offline Windows Password & Registry Editor from the following link
Offline Windows Password & Registry Editor
and
Reset lost Windows passwords with Offline Registry Editor | TechRepublic
is a great walkthrough for this application. Read the warnings, it's important. It should be used with caution.

I will try a few other methods to solve this same issue this weekend when I have more time to play around

Thanks to Windows 7 Forums - View Profile: Borg 386 for the original suggestin