Locked out of my computer...

[SavageLych]

Ok well my dad locked all the accounts because he doesn't want me on the computer all day. instead of having to make an account in safe mode, and then deleting the account when I'm done, is there a simpler way, like some sort of secret way to get on. Its windows, there has gotta be a loop hole.

[lifeisbetterwithketchup]

Its windows, there has gotta be a loop hole.

If all you want is internet, you could just boot to a live Linux distro. Not sure how you could do it in Windows (other than the Safe Mode method).

[vskid]

The hidden account is really easy if you have the login that requires you to type in your username (or if you have Pro, then alt-ctrl-del twice). If you can't go the hidden account route, just try to figure out the password (watch as they type it, use the hint, etc.).

[bicostp]

Ok well my dad locked all the accounts

Doesn't that lock everyone out of the computer? Himself included? Or do you mean a timer?

If the accounts were locked by Windows, you can use the "Offline NT Password & Registry Editor" boot floppy to blank out the password and set the "locked" attribute to false. If it was done by another program, I don't know what you'd have to do with it.

If you're running XP< at the login screen press CTRL+ALT+DEL once or twice to get the old-fashioned NT/2000 login screen. Type "Administrator" into the name field, no password. If your machine wasn't set up right this will let you in.

If all you want is web access, get a small live CD like DSL. You can use it and not leave a trace on the computer. (I used it in high school all the time because their computers were all messed up.)

[jeroen]

^^trick always worked for me. Heck I even made a batch file once to disable the program my dad put on there to lock me out! Mahahhaha.

[vskid]

If you're running XP< at the login screen press CTRL+ALT+DEL once or twice to get the old-fashioned NT/2000 login screen. Type "Administrator" into the name field, no password. If your machine wasn't set up right this will let you in.

The ctrl-alt-del trick only works on Pro, the administrator account is still there, but you have to have it set up to go to the old login by default.

And by locking out, I think he means he put a password on everyones user account.

[SavageLych]

If you're running XP< at the login screen press CTRL+ALT+DEL once or twice to get the old-fashioned NT/2000 login screen. Type "Administrator" into the name field, no password. If your machine wasn't set up right this will let you in.

The ctrl-alt-del trick only works on Pro, the administrator account is still there, but you have to have it set up to go to the old login by default.

And by locking out, I think he means he put a password on everyones user account.

Thats what I mean, yep I need to play my WOW....so addicting...

[vskid]

So what version of XP do you have? And the figuring out the password thing can be used regardless of version, it just takes who ever logs you in to be careless one time and let you see but they don't know that you did.

[timmeh87]

keylogger

[vskid]

keylogger

A hardware one or software? I don't think software would work, even with the fast user switch on. Like my Whatpulse only counts when I'm on my account, even if its running while I'm on another.

[SavageLych]

The key logger would be detected, and they all type way to fast for me to follow... I'm on xp home version sp 2

[Kurt_]

Why not log in as the admin, disable ALL passwords, keylog HIS account (with one of those that sends you the results via email) and then get in a little bit of trouble for disabling the passwords. He'll think he won, but as soon as he uses it, BAM. You get HIS password, and assuming he's an ADMIN, that means you can change yours.

[timmeh87]

ok so get a hardware keylogger. jeez.

or write your own.

or just get one of those programs that decrypts the XP password file.

haha. or heres a good one. pop the XP disc in, and choose to install windows to a different directory (like windows2 or something). then next time you start, you will have a dual-boot option between both installations. boot into one of them, and use msconfig to remove the boot code for the original one.

next time the comptuer is started, it will automatically boot into a completely bare windows with one empty user account. however, all you have to do is modify the boot code to get it back into the normal windows. but he hopefully dosent know that.

claim to be holding the computer hostage until your demands are met. this will prove your superior computer skillz and earn you administrator rights.

[Limewater]

claim to be holding the computer hostage until your demands are met. this will prove your superior computer skillz and earn you administrator rights.

It'll earn you administrator rights or a total butt-whooping.

If I was a father and my kid did that, I'd do the latter.

It sounds like this isn't really your computer, but rather your father's/family's. You should obey your father's will. You probably wouldn't even have the computer if I wasn't for his good graces.

Even putting parental respect aside, his need to maintain authority in your household will always be greater than your need to play World of Warcraft, so there isn't a good resolution to this problem except to obey your dad. Seriously, he's doing this for your own good.

You don't really have a right to the computer. Your use of it is a privilege, and if you screw with it, then that is a privilege you could easily end up losing completely.

[SavageLych]

No its my computer. Built it with my own money and own parts.