Unrecognised password

SJM2 · 28 Feb 2018

My Acer laptop does not recognise the password I have used for the last two years to open the computer. Luckily I had a pin number which was recognised. I would like to have a password too (in case the pin is suddenly not recognised either) but can't find out how to register a new password since Windows says I don't know the old one. Since I am the only one to use the laptop and it is in a secure location, a password is really not necessary and it is very frustrating to be locked out of my own computer.

debsawyer · 28 Feb 2018

Did you set up a Microsoft account? If you did, use the password from the Microsoft account.

Ben Myers · 28 Feb 2018

SJM2 said:

My Acer laptop does not recognise the password I have used for the last two years to open the computer. Luckily I had a pin number which was recognised. I would like to have a password too (in case the pin is suddenly not recognised either) but can't find out how to register a new password since Windows says I don't know the old one. Since I am the only one to use the laptop and it is in a secure location, a password is really not necessary and it is very frustrating to be locked out of my own computer.

Make sure the caps lock is off.

Ben

Bree · 28 Feb 2018

Ben Myers said:

Make sure the caps lock is off

Welcome to TenForums @SJM2

One other thing to check is the keyboard language. If you have multiple input languages available (I use ENG UK and ENG US, for example) you'll see (and be able to change) the input language near the bottom right of the sign-in screen.

It you use the " £ $ or @ characters in the password, the US/UK keyboards would type something other that what is shown on the key if the wrong input language was selected.

You can click on the 'eye' icon at the end of the password box to see the password in plain text and check you have typed it as you intended.

mrgeek · 28 Feb 2018

SJM2 said:

My Acer laptop does not recognise the password I have used for the last two years to open the computer. ... it is very frustrating to be locked out of my own computer.

After two tears, you must be positive. Use Bree's idea of 'view' password icon so you can verify what you type in.

Try3 · 28 Feb 2018

Before you try changing anything, use the existing account to create an additional password-protected Admin-level local account. That will ensure that you can get back into the computer with access to all its existing files if you do end up with any problems with your existing user account.

There's a useful tutorial at

Account - Add in Windows 10

Creating a spare password-protected Admin-level local account is always a useful precaution to take even in the absence of any problems or confusion about existing accounts.

Do write the new account's password down somewhere secure - there is no need to consider the facility that local accounts have to create a 'Password reset disk' because that is just a glorified alternative to a piece of paper.

Denis

SJM2 · 03 Mar 2018

Hi there Denis, Many thanks for the suggestion for creating alternative account - I followed the vg tutorial and it worked like a dream. What a great idea. The only minor problem is that the alternative me can't open my Picasa , it just says Can't find any photos. Yes I know Picasa is out of date but haven't found anything so simple and good to use. Anyway, it's not that important, the great thing is that I'm assured access to the laptop. Regards, Susan

Bree · 03 Mar 2018

SJM2 said:

... The only minor problem is that the alternative me can't open my Picasa , it just says Can't find any photos...

@sjm, the 'new you' has a new user folder of it's own to use. The photos and all your other documents and files are in the 'old you's user folder. Open File Explorer and look for C:\Users\<youroldname>. Inside there you'll find the Documents, Pictures, Music etc. folders belonging to the old you. Just copy all the files you want over to the same folders in your new user folder.

You did follow Denis' suggestion in full? You did make the new you an administrator? You'll need to be in order to go into another user's folders.