Tech Savvy Types - Help with Reset Login on Win 7

CrankyCarrot on 18/07/2017 - 16:43

I was screwing around with the user login stuff using 'netplwiz' in Windows 7 (in an attempt to get password access removed altogether) and now I can't get in at all.

I created a 2nd user with the name Test and then just left the password bit blank and hit next/continue/whatever, assuming that would create a user that didn't need a password. After restarting I it gives me only that user as an option to login with "Test," and not my pre existing Cranky Carrot, and whether I leave it blank or enter anything, it won't accept it and locks me out altogether.

It looks like I'll have to reinstall Windows, but that will eat up a bunch of time and I'll lose my desktop notes (of which there's many) and also my Chrome Bookmarks, I believe.

Is there some 'default password' or something that Windows 7 would have? How is it that by entering nothing it's now asking for a password that never existed?

Computing

Comments

    • CrankyCarrot on 19/07/2017 - 15:02

      Resulted in a Windows Boot Failure.

  • azonki on 18/07/2017 - 17:05
    +1

    Probably a 100 ways. I used to have a disc that reset the password upon boot.
    Just like this:
    https://youtu.be/EASPkAFOv70

  • No on 18/07/2017 - 19:03

    Login as the test account then go to C:\Users and check if there is a directory with your old accounts name.

    All your stuff should be in there.

  • CrankyCarrot on 18/07/2017 - 19:53

    Alright. A few things to try out there. I'd obviously really love it if I can just get back to logging in the way I used to and not have to go salvaging stuff from the old directories.

    Was considering a clean install or upgrade from Win 7 to 10 at some point anyway as there were a few screwy things going on with it lately that may have been cleared up by that.

    Will check info/links above and make the call.

    • Peace Maker on 18/07/2017 - 20:27

      Create a google account to sync all your bookmarks and extensions. Very handy.

      • CrankyCarrot on 18/07/2017 - 21:22

        I do have g-mail and I think, a Google account. Will check on that and see if I can't yank back all the bookmarks, extensions, etc.

        • Peace Maker on 18/07/2017 - 21:25

          Yep, you might be in luck. Try on another device. Click on settings using the vertical ellipsis (aka hamburger) on the far right and log in from there.

  • gummibear on 18/07/2017 - 22:38

    This method lets you get into your accounts. Once in you can change the password
    http://lafayettevault.com/how-to-hack-into-windows-7-pc-wout…

    • CrankyCarrot on 19/07/2017 - 14:40

      There is no osk.exe file in my windows32 directory. There goes that.

  • CrankyCarrot on 20/07/2017 - 17:36

    After a few issues with the workarounds, I've decided to bite the bullet and finally embrace Windows 10 with a clean install after formatting away Win 7.

    I guess I couldn't hold out forever.

    Now if I can just get rid of those annoying Candy Crush and XBox Live square thingos…

    • scrimshaw on 21/07/2017 - 18:17

      You can. Just right click and remove them.

      www.google.com.au/amp/s/www.howtogeek.com/269331/how-to-disa…

      If you have a hard time getting used to Windows 10, try installing Start Is Back, a start menu replacement that functions just like the one in Windows 7. It costs a few dollars for a lifetime licence, but it's worth it.

      • CrankyCarrot on 23/07/2017 - 00:16

        Yeah, so funny that after all the R&D $ they must put into launching a new OS, all we want is to be left alone with what we already like.

  • azonki on 22/07/2017 - 21:24

    Maybe too late, but disconnect your system drive and install Win 10 on a new or other drive.
    This way, all your Win 7 data is preserved.
    And no need to buy anything, just use "Classic Start Menu".
    Freeware. Always free. And incredibly stable.

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