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Original poster

Can't remember Netbook password - can't log in

18 replies

VivaLeBeaver · 06/01/2012 11:51

I've got a Toshiba netbook that I've only used a few times. Don't really like it and have sold it to someone at work. Just chcking this morning that it still works and can't rememebr the password for it. Can't log in.

I've clicked the password reset button and its asking for a password reset disc. I don't have one. Is there anything I can do apart from bin a nearly brand new netbook?

OP posts:
Naoko · 06/01/2012 12:19

There are utilities out there to help you recover or reset a password, but it can get fairly complex and has a few associated risks. In your case I would suggest reinstalling the operating system, seeing as you've sold it anyway. As it's a netbook I assume it doesn't have an optical drive, so you'll need to get hold of an external USB connected CD/DVD drive and a disc with the correct version of Windows on. There should be a sticker somewhere on the netbook with the license key for your copy of Windows so you can use any borrowed Windows disc as long as it's for the same version that was already on there. Sorry it's not easier! But you certainly don't need to bin it.

Naoko · 06/01/2012 12:24

Alternatively (sorry thinking about this some more) your netbook might have a recovery partition that will allow you to reinstall the operating system, thereby bypassing the whole faff with the external drive and the windows disc. If that is the case you should be able to get at it during bootup - while it boots (before it gets into the windows screen where it wants your password) keep hitting F8 (I assume it's F8 as it's common, but could be a different F key) until you get into the Advanced Boot options, which should give a repair or recover option. The timing on this can be fiddly so you might have to reboot the netbook a few times to get it right.

Do you still have the manual? It should explain how to do this. If not, the manual should be downloadable from the toshiba website.

Original poster
VivaLeBeaver · 06/01/2012 21:58

Thanks, will try the F8 thing. I don't have an external hard drive and seeing as I've sold it for £100 its not worth me getting one.

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Original poster
VivaLeBeaver · 06/01/2012 22:15

No F8 gets into all different modes, safe mode, recovery, repair, etc. But they all still want the password.

OP posts:
shakeitright · 06/01/2012 22:47

Sorry to say this but I cant see you getting in throught the recovery partition without the password.We tried it on an old laptop and only got in when ds 2 finally remebered what he had changed the password to.

Original poster
VivaLeBeaver · 06/01/2012 22:56

I'm beginning to wonder if it's locked out now. There really are only three passwords it could be with each one having a few different variations of adding numbers to it. We've tried all these now.

Via google I've found that a similar model of toshiba netbook locks out after three attempts and then has tp be taken to a toshiba service centre with proof of purchase.

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shakeitright · 06/01/2012 23:06

I was locked out of windows,it said that it was an incorrect password,when I went in through system recovery,the same password let me in but I had to do a complete reinstall,only for the hard drive to pack in 2 weeks later.

Original poster
VivaLeBeaver · 07/01/2012 08:43

We've tried putting the password in, in the recovery system bit and it still doesn't work.

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shakeitright · 07/01/2012 10:00

There are some programmeshere that will help you get in,lots of advice about them as well.

Original poster
VivaLeBeaver · 07/01/2012 10:42

Thank you Shakeit. I tried downloading a password cracker thing yesterday to a USB stick but the download kept failing. Some more options on that link though so will try them.

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Original poster
VivaLeBeaver · 07/01/2012 11:06

Nope, still not happening. I've tried those from the link - get them on the USB stick fine. Click reset password and the netbook tells me that what's on the USB stick isn't a "password reset disc"

OP posts:
shakeitright · 07/01/2012 11:57

A password reset disc is a disc that you make yourself when you first have the computer,those programmes I linked too are not a password reset programme but password hackker programmes.You need to run the programme from the usb stick.

Original poster
VivaLeBeaver · 07/01/2012 11:58

I've got the programme on the usb stick and the usb stick in the netbook - how do I run the programme though? I can't get that far into the computer.

OP posts:
shakeitright · 07/01/2012 12:00

What programme did you download?
Have you tried restarting the netbook with the usb stick in?

Original poster
VivaLeBeaver · 07/01/2012 12:28

I've tried kon boot, pc log in now and ophcrack.

I wonder if some of it is because they're for windows 7 and the netbook has windows 7 starter.

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Original poster
VivaLeBeaver · 07/01/2012 12:30

And I'm not sure with ophcrack if I want to download ophcrack or the ophcrack live cd?

OP posts:
shakeitright · 07/01/2012 12:36

full instructions how to use ophcrackhere

Original poster
VivaLeBeaver · 07/01/2012 13:04

Am off to work, will have another go tomorrow. Thanks.

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