You may have lost access to passwords for some systems. Here are some ways to regain dominion:
+ Admin rights on computers
For Windows computers, if you have Internet access and are feeling brave, check out the following link for fairly technical details on how to reset the admin rights on most Windows computers: http://www.petri.co.il/forgot_administrator_password.htm
If you don’t have Internet access, or you’d like more assistance, look in the resources in Appendix C for services that will help you do this.
For Macintosh computers, you can use a Mac OS install CD to reset the passwords on a computer.
- Start up from a Mac OS X Install CD (one whose version is closest the version of Mac OS X installed). Hold the C key as the computer starts.
- Choose Reset Password from the Installer menu (or Utilities menu in Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger). Tip: If you don't see this menu or menu choice, you probably haven't booted from the CD.
- Select your Mac OS X hard disk volume.
- Set the user name of your original administrator account.
- Important: Do not select "System Administrator (root)". This is actually a reference to the root user. Do not confuse it with a normal administrator account.
+ Online Services
For online services where you have simply forgotten the password, use the Web site's password retrieval tool.
If you no longer have access to the user/account name and password, try sending an e-mail message to the staff person who set up the account and ask for your password.
+ Routers, firewalls and other network equipment
Most network equipment comes with well-known default passwords. Common passwords include (sometimes these are capitalized, sometimes not):
- Admin
- Password
- Administrator
Most equipment can be hard-reset to the factory settings, usually by pushing down the reset button during startup or in a set pattern. Check the manuals or documentation that come with the device, or check the Web site of the manufacturer of the device.