startup password ransom

I need help, my dad let a offsite tech service remote on to his computer, the set a startup password on it and want $200 to unlock it. All data is backed up so all I need to do is reset to factory or wipe clean, but it will not let me into any recover programs? maybe Buy windows operating system? Replace hard drive?

jamiessimpson said:

I need help, my dad let a offsite tech service remote on to his computer, the set a startup password on it and want $200 to unlock it. All data is backed up so all I need to do is reset to factory or wipe clean, but it will not let me into any recover programs?

Hi Jamie and welcome to TenForums.
Sorry to hear about the scam on your father.
You could boot to a live Linux distro (like Ubuntu) and wipe the hard drive that way, then reinstall the operating system. No need to buy anything!

Hi Jamie. What simrick suggested will work from USB Boot or CD.

In addition to suggestion above. If you wish, you can also try:

1. Boot up with Windows Recovery disk or even with UBUNTU.
2. Navigate to: C:\Windows\System32\config\RegBack. All the files under this folder are the backup registry files.
3. Copy them back to: C:\Windows\System32\config
4. Reboot the PC and cross your finger

jamiessimpson said:

Thanks again but I need a little more help, after I download ubuntu it asks what I want to open it with. All I was hoping for was to move it from the temp file to the USB and load to the bad computer?

The file you downloaded is an ISO file. You will need to connect a USB Stick to the PC. Download: Rufus - Create bootable USB then run it to create a bootable USB for UBUNTU. Next, connect the USB stick to the troubled PC then boot up. You'll see a list of HD Icons from the bottom left of the launch bar. Open the HD containing Windows and do the steps in my previous post. Disconnect the USB and boot up normally.

Hope this helps !!!

jamiessimpson said:

I need help, my dad let a offsite tech service remote on to his computer, the set a startup password on it and want $200 to unlock it. All data is backed up so all I need to do is reset to factory or wipe clean, but it will not let me into any recover programs? maybe Buy windows operating system? Replace hard drive?

Is the password on the user account? If so you could simply create a bootable password removal tool. See here:

How to Reset Your Windows Password Without an Install CD

Offline Windows Password & Registry Editor

@Victek

Is the password on the user account? If so you could simply create a bootable password removal tool.

This only works if the user account is locked. His problem is he got some front end lock screen that would take the whole system hostage unless he pays a ransom. The same thing happened in this post in 8 forum that I was helping.

Victim of Windows 8 startup password lockout

topgundcp said:

@Victek

This only works if the user account is locked. His problem is he got some front end lock screen that would take the whole system hostage unless he pays a ransom. The same thing happened in this post in 8 forum that I was helping.

Victim of Windows 8 startup password lockout

This looks like what you're dealing with. Try booting with a Windows installation disk to access System Restore. If you have a restore point from before the lock was set rolling back should take care of it.

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