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I've long forgotten my password for an old laptop still running windows 7. And at this point I'm desperate to at least know if there's anything important in it.

Obviously, I've been trying any password I can recall, and haven't found anything y'know. I'm also not remarkably tech-savvy. I don't know more than one language half-well.

How can I recover my files? I'll use a wikileaks vault 7 release to break back in if I have to... the system is indeed old enough for that to be possible.

Sgt Stacker
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3 Answers3

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Windows 7: Use your Windows Password reset disk or USB drive

  1. On the login screen, click on Reset passwords.
  2. Plug in your USB key (or floppy disk). Click Next.
  3. Type in your new password and a password hint. Click on Next. 4 .Done!
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When your PC is running Vanilla Windows 7 (without any data encryption etc), then this might be helpful

You just have to somehow, like by starting windows in Startup repair mode, get access to your system files, go to C:\System32 and copy and rename cmd.exe to sethc.exe, then just open the ease of acess center by clicking its icon to open cmd and reset your password by typing "Net user <username>*" (without" and your username insted of <username>)

UndercoverDog
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This will only work if you have a different PC to connect the Hard Drive.

You have to unplug your hard disk from the laptop.

Connect the hard drive to a USB/SATA/IDE port on a different PC (using an adapter, if necessary). Older, larger external hard drives may also need to be connected to external power.

Wait for Windows to identify the hard drive. This process may take several moments.

A notification will appear asking what you'd like to do with the hard drive. Select Open folder to view files.

Hope this helps and provide as a last resort method.

Chia Wei
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