Hey Paul - wizzy is right. While I am sure your intentions are honest, understand the position your request it puts us in. We are here (as volunteers) because we like to help. We want to believe that everyone coming here is honest, and that you really are an active 98 year old computer user. And if true, then I salute you, Sir. But please realize you (someone we don't know) are asking us to help you crack the security features of some computer you just got because you don't know the password.
I assume you don't have the CD Key Code either?
What I see is a lot of innocent folks receiving hand-me-down computers, often when their company upgrades. That's great - much better than the landfill. But unless the software licenses and original CDs come with the hardware, the hard disks should be wiped clean before the computers are handed down.
Sadly, badguys also come to forums seeking help with stolen hardware and pirated software, all with very similar posts (excuses? :() to yours - no password and/or no proof of Windows ownership. I know I don't want to be held legally liable for aiding and abetting, nor does the site, that is why, as wizzy mentioned, it is against the
site rules. And for that matter, if you cannot verify ownership of that copy of Windows, your sister has put you in the same position as you put us. Worse, in fact, since your fingerprints are all over it!!! That may sound extreme, but it is reality.
So, bottom line, we cannot help you bypass the password. What I suggest you tell your sister to do is to run, don't walk, but RUN to the nearest computer store, or get on-line NOW, and order a legal copy of Windows XP. I say RUN and NOW because June 30th was the last day Microsoft sold XP and so the last copies are flying off the shelves. I do not recommend upgrading to Vista unless that computer is less than 1 year old, has 2Gb of RAM, good graphics, and you have researched all the hardware components to ensure each maker has a Vista driver.
Alternatively, and for anyone in a hand-me-down situation, either giving or receiving, there are very capable and "FREE" alternatives to Windows with
Ubuntu being a favorite an perhaps easiest to setup. And
OpenOffice is a great alternative to MS Office anyone familiar with Office will be able to use.
I'll fix that error.
C-Ya