Question Vista Admin password lost

[sonofpern]

My friend gave me their old DDR2 machine with Vista and they don't know the password. Can I reset the password without some sketchy utility? I have other computers I can plug the drive into, so I would be willing to back up the pics etc and then reset the Vista install completely, but I don't have the install disk, key or anything. Can a bootable USB flash drive reset the installation like with newer versions of Windows?

 

[Saga Lout]

Forum policy is that we don't assist with password issues. All we would advise that you format the hard disk to protect the earlier user's private data.

Then you can bring up a little more modern by installing Windows 7 or, better still, a Linux system.

 

[sonofpern]

I figured, thanks. I'm just going to put their pics and stuff on a drive for them. I just don't know how to reinstall the OS

 

[Saga Lout]

You could ask around your friends and one might help or knows someone else could help. Windows will need a legitimate version and that will cost money but Linux systems are all free. Mint is a good starter.