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Thread ID: 135473 2013-11-07 19:59:00 scam ~ lock out NZHawk (4093) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
1359053 2013-11-07 19:59:00 Have a Windows 7 laptop
owner got a scam call ~ callers posing as Microsoft reps
he didn't pay the money
but now when he boots his laptop it requires a password ~ not the normal login screen

I have tried Safe Mode;
Last known good configuration

neither worked

suggestions on how to get past this?
NZHawk (4093)
1359054 2013-11-07 20:28:00 Is it asking for a syskey password do you know? They can be a bit of a problem if the scammers did it properly, most don't though. If it is a syskey password that's been setup, a manual restore of the SAM registry hive normally fixes it - basically a manual system restore. It can be a little tricky to do though. wratterus (105)
1359055 2013-11-07 20:57:00 Uncertain ~ the laptop will not boot up now cycling through windows recovery & startup repair NZHawk (4093)
1359056 2013-11-07 21:23:00 If the owner allowed the scammers access to the system how much information did he give them, passwords etc.

Can you boot it with a Linux disc.
Driftwood (5551)
1359057 2013-11-07 21:26:00 I dont know the answer regarding passwords ~ he didn't have any to access Windows ~ windows booted straight to the desktop.
Will try booting to Ubuntu
NZHawk (4093)
1359058 2013-11-07 21:30:00 Yes will boot to Ubuntu NZHawk (4093)
1359059 2013-11-07 21:31:00 I was just concerned, if he was gullible enough to allow them access to the system, he may have given them username or password info. Driftwood (5551)
1359060 2013-11-07 21:46:00 ok if it boots to Linux, there is a program I used some time ago to crack a password that a smart arse kid put on his mothers.
Not sure how legal it is though.

Google trinity rescue kit.
Driftwood (5551)
1359061 2013-11-07 22:07:00 There are a lot of windows password crackers courtesy of linux. They reset the SAM file. If you can't find the suggestions so far, google ' SAM password CD ' it pretty much covers all the ways.

Consider switching to linux though. Linux Mint is probably the best choice at the moment. When I saw the thread it gave me a giggle because it has been SO LONG since I had any 'funny business' to put up with, because I now use linux for everything. Linux lets you do everything you do now, movies, surfing, business, all so much easier, the only thing it won't do is some games which are tied to windows, the same way Wii games are tied to the Wii console. everything else it does better.
TropoScatter (17158)
1359062 2013-11-07 22:09:00 PM sent that program, should remove it Speedy Gonzales (78)
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