Windows 7, Admin acct. password lost!

I hope someone can help...

I'm having an issue with a friend's computer. They forgot their password to the Admin account on it. There are two accounts on the computer, the Admin account (named Debbie) and a standard account (named Jim). There is a password hint under the admin account, but it doesn't help. No one seems to know the password, and nothing I've tried has allowed me to get into the account.

I've tried booting into safe mode with the command prompt and entering the net user administrator /active:yes command, but the computer gives me a "system 5 error". I'm assuming this has something to do with the fact I'm not in an administrative account.

I've also tried using the search function and running the cmd prompt as the administrator, but that pops up the Debbie account sign-in screen and wants a password.

It appears that I'm stuck and can't get into the computer. I'm trying to load software for their wireless printer, but I need the administrative level access to install the software. They been using the standard account for a year now, because no one can remember the password to the admin account.

If I can't by-pass the password, is there another way to create another admin account and reset everything?

I'm a little leary about loading a password crack program. Should I be? Since it's not my computer I don't want to run the risk of anything putting a key logger on the computer, or potentially risking the computer's security.

I appreciate any help you folks can give.

I really don't want to re-install the operating system unless I absolutely have to...

 

Are you able to Run Safe mode.

 

Look for and download (maybe a torrent) Hirens 10.6. On there is a piece of software that locates all accounts and will crack them if you want to. You must obviously request the owners permission first.

Hope that helps.

 

UKARMYCADET, thanks for the reply. I will try a password cracker only as a last resort. Thanks for the suggestion though.

Goldenskull, I can run the computer in safe mode.

 

I think you should be able to change or remove the Password in Safe mode

 

Give this crack a try: http://www.pcloginnow.com/

I've used it for testing and saw no ill effects, and my antivirus hasn't complained.

Options 4 and 5 from this list should work as well but I think PCLogin is going to be more reliable. I successfully did the sticky key one but it depends if you get the necessary link showing on the sticky keys windows.

 

You could also try to install the software by right-clicking on the installer executable, then select Run as Administrator. (Not sure if this requires the Admin password, but I believe not.)