Cracking a Password

[Usmc0844spare]

As long as there is no encryption, there are plenty of applications out there that can brute force crack the windows PW in short order. I had to use one once, worked fine, took like 5 minutes.

Obviously this sort of application would be at high risk for being developed by not nice people whose real goal is to plant malware on the computer, so do some googling first.

[arrix]

Update... I talked directly to the IT tech to get a report on how things went. My sister was pretty tired when we talked on the phone and she got a few things wrong. The tech did indeed clear the computer of any viruses, rebooting several times to make sure all the changes stuck and nothing came back. He also set up a simple user account for my stepmom so she can't get into any trouble, as well as setting up remote access for my sister. At this point I think we are as good-to-go as we can be, as far as the computer and access are concerned. Thank you to everyone for you comments and suggestions.

Have to boot into Windows Safe mode and run the virus scanner. Personally I would just back up any important files and format the drive. Who knows what kinds of root kits could have been installed.

[bayrooster]

Unfortunate situation and I could use some help. My stepmom has dementia. She is also the one that takes took care of their finances, pays bills, etc. She no longer recognizes her computer and does not know how to log in. My dad needs access to that computer. It is a desktop PC and is most likely running Windows 10 or 11. My dad is an avowed luddite and will need to have someone do this for him. My sister will be there with him when this is done and she is fairly computer literate.

I know there are programs, etc, to do this but I am not asking you to tell me how to break into their computer. They are in NV and I am in NM. I'm asking, "who should my dad be calling, how does he find a reputable resource, and what should he be asking for?" They live in Fernley, about 30 minutes outside of Reno. Thx!

If it's Windows or Linux there are procedures you can follow to reset the admin or root password, which would then let you reset her password to whatever you want. Is it Windows or Linux? Mac OS probably has a documented procedure for this (certainly an Apple tech would know), but I don't work with Mac OS.

[Woodworker2]

If you don't already own a copy, you should consider buying the book "The 36 hour day". It explains the dementia process.

[G.O.D.]

If you don't already own a copy, you should consider buying the book "The 36 hour day". It explains the dementia process.

This is a Great Book. Helped in Our Situation.

[FreedomNotFree]

If your Mom has dementia and your Dad is almost blind and cant work a computer, why didn't your sister just take the computer home and pay bills from there?

[4DSJW]

If your Mom has dementia and your Dad is almost blind and cant work a computer, why didn't your sister just take the computer home and pay bills from there?

Because my stepmom still likes to go into her office and pretend that she can use the computer. My dad is very protective of her being as happy as possible, and her computer makes her happy. She doesn't remember how to log in, and cannot do any damage, so everyone else is happy. My dad is right.

Thank you to everyone for the book suggestion, and all the other suggestions.

[zeneffect]

Look at the utilman workaround.

Boot from a USB with windows installer, go through repair options amd get to command prompt

In windows\system32 is a file called utilman.exe
Ren utilman.exe *.bak
Copy cmd.exe utilman.exe

Reboot to login screen like normal

Click the accessibility button on the bottom right (it's utilman)
You now have a command prompt as administrator

Use the net command to reset the password.

Unless the drive has bitlocker encryption, this will work, requires no additional software, and is easy. You can explain this over a video call and have them do it.

Once you learn it, you are then well equipped for access. A store will wipe your computer because if they knew how to IT, they wouldn't be working at geek squad.

For simple password resets, I'm wary of 3rd party tools. Linux, windows, osx... you can reset with built in tools. No need for 3rd party software.