bobbyjohn Loc: Dallas, TX

You didn't mention WHICH password was forgotten...there are two...the HD PW which you would enter in the upper left hand corner when powering on, and the Windows PW, or you could have both. If it is the HD PW, you are basically screwed because that is kept in the firmware of the HD itself, and the only recourse then is to take it to a data recovery service which is VERY expensive...typically $1,000 - $2,000. If it is the Windows PW, follow the recommendations given by others in this thread....like boot to another OS, boot from a thumbdrive, take out the HD on put it in another system as a slave drive, etc. Good luck!

cochese

Make a linux live dvd and you can run the os from the dvd and transfer all the files on the harddrive without ever changing anything and will not need a password.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Maybe this would work if it is a HD PW? But I'd put my bet on it being a Windows PW.

https://www.instructables.com/id/Unlock-Hard-Drive-Password-Protected-File/

ThruTheLens Loc: Kingston NY

If it's windows you can use your microsoft password. If you forgot your microsoft password you can reset it on the microsoft website.

nadelewitz Loc: Ithaca NY

Funny how only one responder asked WHAT PASSWORD the OP is talking about. Power-on/administrator password (set in the BIOS), or Windows login password?

If it's the power-on password or administrator password, it (the BIOS) could possibly be reset, depending on how old the computer is. In the case of Dells, older computers would allow it by doing various things, alone or together: removing battery and holding power button down for a few seconds is one combination. Research this online for your computer model. Newer computers would require you to contact the manufacturer, provide proof of ownership, and they could give you a password that overrides the BIOS password, allowing you to get into BIOS and undo/change the BIOS password. Or you would have to send them the computer for service, for a charge.
Otherwise, you have a brick, not a computer.

If you are talking Windows password, Windows 10 installation asks you to select three security questions and provide answers. Then, if you forget your password it asks you the questions to identify yourself, and lets you in. I don't recall if previous Windows versions provided this.

In ANY case, taking the hard drive out and connecting it to another computer via USB will let you retrieve your data. UNLESS the hard drive itself was encrypted, in which case you are screwed.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Been so long and never used the BIOS PW I forgot it was there!

hassighedgehog Loc: Corona, CA

This reminds me of an old XP desktop that I have. I think I recorded everything onto a thumb drive and moved it to a later laptop, but am not exactly sure. I may have to see if it will boot up.

hassighedgehog Loc: Corona, CA

This reminds me of an old XP desktop that I have. I think I recorded everything onto a thumb drive and moved it to a later laptop, but am not exactly sure. I may have to see if it will boot up.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

To all,

Thank you for your responses. It's the windows password. The laptop is a few years old and it worked ok, there's a few lines running through the screen. I believe it has windows 10 installed on it. I'm planning on using that laptop with an external monitor.
The laptop is at home and I'm at my home away from home so, I'll try to get it working again when I go home in a few days.

juan_uy Loc: Uruguay

I would always bet that is the Windows' password when someone asks this. If the OP is using a BIOS pwd, he/she probably would not ask this question, not at least on a photography forum cause would probably have more technical knowledge.

ThruTheLens Loc: Kingston NY

I've been in the OP's exact situation where I couldn't remember my Microsoft (windows) password or the optional 4 digit password. The mind is the first thing to go, thank god. As I said earlier in this post... just go to the Microsoft website, and follow the instructions to reset your password. Once you do that, you'll be able to log into your (windows) computer, and if you choose to a 4 digit pin instead of your Microsoft password.
If you do a full reset or clean install of windows you won't be able to retrieve any files without using special software or having a computer geek troll thru your computer. Personally I would rather destroy the hard drive than let someone have access to my financial docs.

juan_uy Loc: Uruguay

Keep in mind that this option is only available if you have configured an "online" account (or something like that). The account must be "tied" with your online account from Microsoft.
If you have done that, it is a great and easy solution

ThruTheLens Loc: Kingston NY

I assumed, and we all know what that means..... that the OP was using a windows version 8 or 10.
I don't remember needing a password or Microsoft account before that.
That said, I was wrong once before when I thought I made a mistake but I didn't.

juan_uy Loc: Uruguay

You can use Windows 8 or 10 without a Microsoft account, using just a local one (I do it).

chikid68 Loc: Tennesse USA

You could set up a password for most versions of windows all the way back to Windows 95 although prior to xp it was a total false sense of security that could easily be gotten around by booting into safe mode and searching for pwl and deleting it that erased the stored password.
Xp through windows 7 made it more difficult since the password list was hidden. 8& now 10 generally want it tied to a Microsoft account but local can be set and not use it.