Expert: Michael Troy - 7/23/2007

Question
QUESTION: I have an IBM Thinkpad running windows 95. My son put a password on it and now cannot remember the password.  Is there anyway to get into this computer to fix this?  It will not let me do anything until I enter the password.

Thanks

ANSWER: Hi Lisa,

If you have Windows 95, you can simply bypass the Windows password by hitting the esc. button or by typing in a new name.  Password security in Win. 95 is not designed to protect the PC itself.  That security did not go into place until Windows 2000 and XP.

I hope this helps!
- Mike



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I'm sorry I did not make myself clear.  The PC itself is locked.  Windows doesn't even start up.  When we turn it on, all we get is a little padlock in the upper lefthand corner of a black screen.

Answer
Ok, it sounds like he may have set a BIOS password on the computer.  That gets a lot more complicated.  This site explains how you might be able to hack in without the password:

http://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/CmosPwd

Also, sometimes removing the battery and leaving the computer unplugged for a day or two will cause the BIOS to reset.

Good Luck!