Re-installing Windows

securespark

securespark

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Hi guys, I am trying to solve the issue of a forgotten Admin password on a Win 8.1 laptop.

I am stumped, and have looked on MS's website which suggests reinstalling the software. There is nothing I need to keep so reinstallation is good for me, but when attempting this, it is asking for the Admin password!

ARRRRGGHHH!!!

What can I do?
 
Have a google, look for the password reset program that uses a USB stick.
I have it somewhere on a 3.5" floppy disc (shows how long its been around lol) but have no idea where.
Googling should help.

Youtube has some help on it too.
i.e

btw, if your re installing, if your OK to lose all the files on it, format the drive first.
 
Put Windows 10 on. It's just as crap as Windows 8/8.1. You can get a download from here:-

https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/software-download/windows10

Bung it on a USB stick and boot from the stick. Install Windows 10. if you had Windows 8 or 8.1 you have EUFI bios and the product number is stored within that bios. Windows 8/8.1 is a valid upgrade to Windows 10 so it should all work. As I said Windows 10 is just as junk as Windows 8/8.1 so nothing lost or gained except you will be able access your computer. Just as an aside if you have nothing on your computer that you need to keep why use a password in the first place if you cannot remember them.
 
Thanks for the info, guys.
I have the password to get onto my sons (local) account and I can also set up my MS account on the laptop. It's just the Admin password I have mislaid. So frustrating!!

Pete, to explain....I set the laptop up for my lad. But I wanted to set an Admin password up so he had to come to me when installing stuff or making changes. Otherwise, all sorts of junk would find its way onto the system.
 
If I boot from USB to install Win 10, won't the system ask for the Admin password?;)
 
securespark said:
If I boot from USB to install Win 10, won't the system ask for the Admin password?;)
Click to expand...
It shouldn't do because you are booting the computer before Windows starts so the admin password wont kick in. Also initially you are, or should be, booting from the USB stick not your hard drive. When the installation gets to the bit where it asks you where you want to install Windows delete all the partitions and start afresh. This will also get rid of any other crapolla and manfacturer's junk that you may have on your computer. As say it's not Windows 8/8.1 but Windows 10 is just as junk but at least it's current junk. The only thing is that, perhaps, it's the bios password you have forgotten. But when initially booting keep pressing F12 AND choose usb disk.

Just another aside if you do this it will wipe everything from your computer.
 
Last edited:
AlanE said:
Still??
Click to expand...

It is if you use that link I posted. All that happens is that there is a download link there that will automatically make either a bootable DVD or a bootable USB stick. You boot your computer from either of those media and that will allow you to clean install Windows 10 on to your computer. It will work with Windows 7, Windows 8 or 8.1. There is also an upgrade link on that site but I think that will only upgrade Windows 10 to a newer version of Windows 10. I haven't actually tried the upgrade link though so it may upgrade Windows 7 or 8. What doesn't happen any more for Windows 7 or 8 is the automatic upgrade that Microsoft used to send. The downside to using the link I posted is that it will wipe your computer and clean install Windows 10. So if you want keep your personal files they had better be backed up to somewhere else other than your computer.
 
True you can download Win 10 from that link but you need a valid Win 10 licence to continue using it*. The free upgrade path ended sometime last year. However there was an alternatibe way of continuing to get the free upgrade via the 'accessability' option. However that ended the end of last year.

Now you have to purchase the licence key to use Win 10.

*
Here’s when to use these instructions:

  • You have a license to install Windows 10 and are upgrading this PC from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.
  • You need to reinstall Windows 10 on a PC you’ve already successfully activated Windows 10.
 
AlanE said:
True you can download Win 10 from that link but you need a valid Win 10 licence to continue using it*. The free upgrade path ended sometime last year. However there was an alternatibe way of continuing to get the free upgrade via the 'accessability' option. However that ended the end of last year.

Now you have to purchase the licence key to use Win 10.

*
Here’s when to use these instructions:

  • You have a license to install Windows 10 and are upgrading this PC from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.
  • You need to reinstall Windows 10 on a PC you’ve already successfully activated Windows 10.
Click to expand...

If you don't know what you are talking about don't bother posting. The Windows 10 product key is imbedded in the bios (UEFI) of new computers that come with Windows 10. Windows 7 and Windows 8 product keys are still valid for installing Windows 10. You can use that link to download a Windows 10 installer to make DVD or USB installation media. The accessability option is still there that is what is on that link.

I suggest you stick to gardening or whatever you do best.
 
pete50 said:
Windows 7 and Windows 8 product keys are still valid for installing Windows 10. You can use that link to download a Windows 10 installer to make DVD or USB installation media.
Click to expand...

really? I got a notification that I had to free-upgrade by (x date) which is now long past.

I have an un-upgraded machine in the guest room, I'll give it a try when I have a minute.
 
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