How to Break a PC Password

So you forgot the password to your computer and you need to regain access? This article will show you a few useful methods for gaining access to your password-protected PC.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• PC or laptop
• screwdriver
• flashlight
• jumpers
• DB25 printer cable
• soldering iron
• electric tape

1. Some of these methods may or may not work, depending on the age and the type of computer or laptop you are using. Please only try this on your own computer or on a computer for which someone has specifically asked for your assistance. The first few steps refer to the BIOS password and the last refers to the operating system password.
2. To reset a BIOS password, the password prompt that you must pass in order for the PC to boot, you could try clearing the CMOS settings by jumping the corresponding pins on the motherboard. Open the PC case and carefully try to locate the pins labeled "Clear" or "PWD" assuming those pins exist on your particular motherboard. If you are able to locate them, place a jumper on the two pins, connecting them together. When the PC is powered on with the pins jumped, it will bypass the password in many cases.
3. Another way to reset the BIOS password is to remove the CMOS battery backup. When you open the case and look at the motherboard, this battery resembles a large, flat watch battery and on most motherboards, it may be removed temporarily. Remove the battery for 15 minutes, replace it, and try turning the PC back on. If the CMOS settings have been cleared, you will gain access to the computer.
4. An additional method is to overload the keyboard buffer by holding down a key on the keyboard from the moment the PC is powered on. This seldom works, but in some cases, it will prompt an error message and take the user through to the BIOS setup.
5. There is also a trick for bypassing the BIOS password on many Toshiba laptops. Acquire a DB25 printer cable. Remove the sheath from around the cable connector and note that the pins are labeled 1 through 25. Connect and solder the following wires together: (1+5+10), (2+11), (3+17), (4+12), (6+16), (7+13), (8+14), and (9+15). Protect each connection by wrapping it in electric tape. Connect the cable connector to the printer port on the back of the laptop and power it on. If done correctly, the laptop will boot directly to the operating system, bypassing the BIOS password.
6. If the BIOS password is not your problem or if you made it through that password and you are confronted by the operating system password on a Windows machine, don't panic, there are many ways to bypass this password as well. When the computer is booting and has just finished the power-on self test, begin tapping the F8 key. Windows should redirect to a screen prompting several different ways to boot. Choose "Safe Mode." Too many people neglect to set a password for the administrator account on Windows computers. If this is the case, you can access the administrator account and change the password for the account that you were originally trying to access.
7. If the administrator password has been set and you cannot gain access to it, don't worry, there are different types of software available that will allow you access to any Windows PC or laptop. Some do cost money. I do not want to endorse any of them specifically, but do a search on the internet and you will surely find them.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient, this may take a few attempts.
• Do not use these methods on computers for which you normally would not have access!
• I cannot not be held responsible for any damages that you may incur by using these techniques. Use them at your own risk!