PC Pals Forum

Technical Help & Discussion => Windows PCs & Software: Help, News & Discussion => Topic started by: mikeandnel on February 19, 2006, 08:37

Title: Removing password protection
Post by: mikeandnel on February 19, 2006, 08:37

I have just been given an old laptop which is running Windows 98. At switch-on it asks for a password, which the previous owner cannot remember. I can bypass the problem by using Safe Mode, but want to give the laptop to one of my children. How can I remove the Password request so that the laptop boots clean from switch-on to Desktop ready for use?
Any ideas out there please?

Title: Removing password protection
Post by: Simon on February 19, 2006, 11:02

Hi, I found this, which may help, but no guarantees, as I haven't used it myself:-

Quote from: "http://www.uktsupport.co.uk/microsoft/win9x.htm"

On bootup, Windows asks for a user name and password. How do I stop this from appearing?

This is a common question, unlike the tight security you'll find on Win2k or WinXP, password 'security' on Windows 9x is a snap to bypass. To get rid of that annoying logon screen, do this:

    * Click Start, Settings Control Panel.
    * Double-click the Network applet.
    * On the Configuration tab, select Windows Logon as the Primary Network Logon, then close the dialog box.
    * Delete any file in the \Windows folder with the extension .pwl.
    * Reboot.
    * The password prompt will appear one last time. Press Enter (don't press Escape) and you'll never see it again.

I'm sure there will be some more suggestions, but let us know if that was successful.  :)

Title: Removing password
Post by: mikeandnel on February 19, 2006, 11:50

For Simon,
Very grateful. Worked fine. Thanks for your advice
mikeandnel

Title: Removing password protection
Post by: Simon on February 19, 2006, 12:29

Oh, great!  Pleased to help.  :thumb: