Password reset

[GP750]

I was given an older laptop, but it has a long-forgotten password. How do I reset it so I can use the device?

[Sneha_01]

Hi @GP750,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

Resetting a forgotten password on an older laptop depends on the operating system. Here are steps for both Windows and macOS:

For Windows:

Using a Password Reset Disk

1. Insert the Password Reset Disk: If you have created a password reset disk, insert it into the laptop.
2. Click "Reset password": On the login screen, click "Reset password."
3. Follow the Wizard: Follow the instructions on the Password Reset Wizard to create a new password.

Using Safe Mode (if no reset disk)

1. Restart the Laptop: Turn off and then turn on your laptop.
2. Enter Safe Mode: As the computer is starting, press F8 (or Shift + F8) repeatedly until you see the Advanced Boot Options menu. Select "Safe Mode with Command Prompt."
3. Open Command Prompt: Once in Safe Mode, open Command Prompt.
4. Create a New User Account:
   • Type net user [username] [password] /add (replace [username] and [password] with your desired new username and password).
   • Press Enter.
5. Restart: Restart the laptop and log in with the new account.
6. Reset the Original Account Password: After logging in, you can change the original account's password from Control Panel -> User Accounts.

Using a Password Reset Tool (if above methods don't work)

1. Download a Password Reset Tool: On another computer, download a password reset tool like Ophcrack, Offline NT Password & Registry Editor, or another similar tool.
2. Create a Bootable USB/CD: Follow the tool’s instructions to create a bootable USB drive or CD.
3. Boot from USB/CD: Insert the bootable USB drive or CD into the laptop and boot from it (you may need to change the boot order in BIOS).
4. Follow Instructions: Follow the on-screen instructions to reset the password.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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Rachel571

HP Support