Old HP laptop and can’t remember pw

[SteKee]

Hey, I have an old laptop from 2012, it’s a pavilion g6. I do not remember my pw and would like to try log in to get some old pictures. Is there any hope?

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @SteKee,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

Yes, there’s hope! If you’ve forgotten the password to your HP Pavilion G6 from 2012 and want to recover old photos, here are a few options depending on your situation:

Option 1: Try Password Reset (Local Account)

If it's a local Windows account (not linked to a Microsoft account):
 

1. Boot into Safe Mode with Command Prompt:
   • Restart the laptop and press F8 repeatedly before Windows starts.
   • Choose Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
      
2. Use Command Prompt to Enable Hidden Admin Account:
   • Type: net user administrator /active: yes
   • Restart and log in as Administrator.
   • From there, you can reset your original account password: net user yourusername newpassword

Option 2: Microsoft Account Recovery:

If it’s a Microsoft account login (Windows 8 or later):

• Go to https://account.live.com/password/reset on another device.
• Follow the steps to reset your password.

Option 3: Access Files Without Logging In:

If you just want to recover photos:

• Remove the hard drive from the Pavilion G6.
• Use a SATA-to-USB adapter or external enclosure to connect it to another computer.
• Browse and copy your files from the Users folder.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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VikramTheGreat

HP Support