Logging on Password issue

[mikehende]

I installed win2k on a pc without using a password to log into windows, can I now create a password to prevent anyone from loggin in or is this only done when loading an OS?

[kelly]

I don't have a W2K machine running right now, but it should be similar to XP. Go to Control Panels and open the Users. You can create accounts from there.
- tony

[Dan18960]

Mike,

Right click on My Computer / left click on MANAGE / click on the "+" sign in front of Users and Groups / click on Users / right click on the name in the right panel and select SET PASSWORD.

Never mind the warning - it is just applicable if you added password protection to folders.

[mikehende]

Tried that but it does not prevent the pc from going to windows if there wasn't a required password to get in in the first place I think, so I reloaded win2k and used a password signin this time, my intent for doing this is to learn now how to do password recovery/replacement/resetting or whatever's neccessary to get in if the password is forgotten.

First I would like to know how you techs do it if you all don't mind sharing that info? I understand that this topic might make some here uneasy but come on guys, this is me, not some hacker, this is part of my learning process as one tutorial on the net put it:

"you can't set a decent securtiy system for yourself if you don't understand how an intruder can get in"

I understand that there are different 3rd party softwares for this but that's the easy way I think? So I would like to know how to get around a forgotten password scenario without having a software do it all for me, anyone care to help in this situation please? Yes, I will be trying the link given a while back on a thread here but I would like to know the different options/methods of doing this so I will know the "easiest" way to do this, without using a 3rd party software/utility that does it, anyone?

[mikehende]

Sorry Dan, looks like we posted at the same time, I was replying to Tony's post, ok I will try that next time I load an OS, meaning I not create a password signin and then try your method to see if it work from there but first guys, please refer to me previous post asking about different ways to get around forgotten passwords?

[kern]

Tried that but it does not prevent the pc from going to windows if there wasn't a required password to get in in the first place I think, so I reloaded win2k and used a password signin this time, my intent for doing this is to learn now how to do password recovery/replacement/resetting or whatever's neccessary to get in if the password is forgotten.

First I would like to know how you techs do it if you all don't mind sharing that info? I understand that this topic might make some here uneasy but come on guys, this is me, not some hacker, this is part of my learning process as one tutorial on the net put it:

"you can't set a decent securtiy system for yourself if you don't understand how an intruder can get in"

I understand that there are different 3rd party softwares for this but that's the easy way I think? So I would like to know how to get around a forgotten password scenario without having a software do it all for me, anyone care to help in this situation please? Yes, I will be trying the link given a while back on a thread here but I would like to know the different options/methods of doing this so I will know the "easiest" way to do this, without using a 3rd party software/utility that does it, anyone?

Mike,
A pro uses the tools of the trade, in this case the best tool is a 3rd party password recovery tool such as the ones Dan and I suggested.

[mikehende]

I do understand what you're saying Rob that a "Pro" Tech should use the tools available which will make the job easier but since I am a novice now getting into the game, generally speaking, I always like to know/explore as many methods/ways of doing things so when one way doesn't work I can then try another option because I will never know what situation I can run into.

In my case I tried the how to put it, "manual" way I guess, didn't work so I will now try a 3rd party program, thanks.

[mikehende]

Mike,
Right click on My Computer / left click on MANAGE / click on the "+" sign in front of Users and Groups / click on Users / right click on the name in the right panel and select SET PASSWORD.
Never mind the warning - it is just applicable if you added password protection to folders.

Yes, this works Dan, thanks!

[mikehende]

Well Rob, I "finally" decided to take your advice after spending one week of utter frustration trying "the extremely" hard ways to get around forgotten password issues. I did manage to get it done last night so now I know how it's done but I will simply get a 3rd party software to do this anytime in the future.

[fleamailman]

I think there are about 250 known XP expliots then.

links:
- passivemode

http://jollyblog.squarespace.com/updates/2006/6/5/windows-xp-privilege-escalation-exploit.html

- elitehackers
http://www.elitehackers.info/forums/archive/index.php/

I think the thing that narks me is the clear way the hackers expain everything with video runthroughs while MS itself offers crapy help pages.