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Bypassing windows logon

#1 Some_A-hole

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Posted 08 March 2009 - 09:37 PM

How does one get into windows to repair the pc without the user password? If someone gives me their PC for repair and it has a password I would be screwed. If I am reinstalling windows it wouldn’t matter, but what about simple virus removal? Should I just put their HDD into my pc, or can I run ALL of the tools I need without booting the OS?

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#2 Stang777

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Posted 08 March 2009 - 10:44 PM

I would think asking them for their password would suffice

#3 Some_A-hole

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Posted 09 March 2009 - 09:19 AM

I dont think everyone is gonna want to give me thier password.

#4 Elise

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Posted 09 March 2009 - 09:48 AM

Well, you can explain it maybe, so they can change immediately after you finish? Or you can suggest them to disable the system administrator password during repairs (change password in one that doesn't have any characters) so you are not prompted during repairs.

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#5 dc3

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Posted 09 March 2009 - 09:55 AM

You can install the hdd in another computer and run scans.

Other than the owner providing the password or installing it in another computer there is a forum rule which will prohibit us from assisting you any further.

No subject matter will be allowed whose purpose is to defeat existing copyright or security measures.

This post has been edited by dc3: 09 March 2009 - 09:56 AM

#6 Some_A-hole

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Posted 09 March 2009 - 10:11 AM

Hmm ok I understand, this is by no means a black hat topic, or involve breaking any laws. I think if I wind up with a locked pc I will most likely put the HDD in another Pc or just run Knoppix. My only concern is that I will not be able to really test their PC on how they will be using it. How does geek squad get around this? What tools do they use?

#7 SLIX

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Posted 09 March 2009 - 11:31 AM

Quote

If someone gives me their PC for repair and it has a password I would be screwed.

I can't really see what the problem is here. If someone wants you to fix their PC then it must be on the understanding that they give you access to an Admin Account so that you can work on it. No one has ever refused to give me access to their PC when I have been asked to provide a fix.
Look at it this way, you wouldn't expect a plumber to fix a leaky tap without having access to your house would you.

Steve

#8 Some_A-hole

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Posted 09 March 2009 - 01:18 PM

Well, I don't see people being happy about just giving me their passwords. I can see getting someone to unlock the PC first, but they might be unable to do so if the PC won't boot. (That is why I am helping). Also I can see the response "...umm yea it is unlocked"

I plan on doing many repairs in my workshop, not necessarily in front of the owner. I guess I will just have to pull out the HDD and work from their. A copy of Knoppix could help me with laptops that I don't want to open. I was just hopping there were some easier -=AND LEGAL=- solutions.

This post has been edited by Some_A-hole: 09 March 2009 - 01:24 PM

#9 dc3

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Posted 09 March 2009 - 01:55 PM

If you have a legitimate business you shouldn't have a problem having the owner supply you with the password, most people will realize that in order for a tech to work on their computer they are going to need the pass word. I think that this is about as far as you are going to get with this one.

#10 garmanma

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Posted 09 March 2009 - 02:20 PM

Quote

No subject matter will be allowed whose purpose is to defeat existing copyright or security measures. If a user persists and/or the activity is obviously illegal the staff reserves the right to remove such content and/or ban the user. This would also mean encouraging the use or continued use of pirated software is not permitted, and subject to the same consequences.
bc forum rules

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