How to override lost password

http://www.petri.co.il/forgot_administrator_password.htm

The HD password you can't reset without you knowing the password.

The windows password you can use the link already provided above. I prefer using the UBCD, as it includes other very useful tools for PC diagnostics. At least one of the tools on the UBCD can be used to reset windows passwords. Also the UBCD4WIN can be useful.

http://ultimatebootcd.com
http://ubcd4win.com

You can always try the infamous default admin account:

L: Administrator
P: <blank>

You'd be surprised.....

If you can't get the admin account to show on the login screen (shows welcome screen), hit ctrl-alt-del twice at that menu and it will bring up the "classic" login screen. From there you can type in the admin login.

hi m8
the best way wood be to phone the grandson and ask for the password
andy

Thanks for the respones.  Unfortunately, the lady has been asking for months for the password and neither the grandson nor his dad can provide it.  She's up in years and confused about the whole thing.  Naturally the first thing I'll try is Administrator but  I believe they already tried that.  I may try Guest.
I downloaded the ubcd and don't see where it has password support.  I've also downloaded ERD Commander and EBCD but haven't made the bootable CDs yet.  
A long time ago I read that the hard drive password could be removed by taking out the battery...would that work and where is the battery?
Thanks for your suggestions.

The battery would help if it were a BIOS password.

No. HD passwords can't be removed by taking out the battery. Those passwords are stored directly on the HD itself, and only specialized companies can remove such passwords.

The CD version of the following will work for just about any Windows system including Vista (prior to SP1)

http://home.eunet.no/pnordahl/ntpasswd/

If I'm not mistaken, it's the same utility as is on the UBCD. The advantage of the UBCD is that you get a lot more tools, and since you have to make a CD anyway, why not utilize more of the space on it for those other tools too.

Rindi's right all the way around.  It is the same one and you might as have tools you may not need instead of not have tools you do.

Thanks everyone.  I have my bootable cds and I'll be seeing my friend on Wednesday.  I'll let you all know how it goes.

I found this article awhile back, seems to cover your situation but I have never tried it.
http://pubs.logicalexpressions.com/Pub0009/LPMArticle.asp?ID=305

Thanks, sparkmaker.   That's very helpful but  I wonder will any xp installation disk work or does it have to be the same one that installed windows originally.  I doubt very much that she has the original software.   I'm very optimistic that one of these options will do the trick.

I learned a lot about resetting passwords.  I'm splitting the points because your solutions were the most informative.   Thanks.

Well, as it turned out there was no password on the woman's computer.  A neighbor had wiped the pc and installed a new operating system.  She was clueless, but very dear.  Her problem is that she needs a new modem to get online which I can install for her.  I'm very appreciative of all the help I received here.  I'm armed and ready should the next password emergency arise.  Thanks everyone!!