How to find or bypass a forgotten login password.

Follow this procedure to remember, find or bypass a forgotten operating system login password.

NOTES: In addition to this procedure, there is operating system specific information available from Microsoft regarding what to do if you forget your password or if your password expires.

• Windows® 8.1
• Windows® 8
• Windows® 7
• Windows Vista®

1. Before attempting anything else, try again to remember the password. Most people create passwords often inspired by people, places or things in their personal or professional life. The password might have something to do with one or more of the following:
   • Your name.
   • The name of a friend or family member.
   • Your birthday, or a friend or family member's birthday.
   • Your phone number.
   • Your home or office address
   • Your Social Security or Driver's License number.
   • An important date.
   • A pet's name.
   • A favorite food.
   • A frequently dialed telephone number.
   • Something from your childhood.
   • A combination of any of the above.
2. The password is case sensitive, so try entering the password in uppercase, lowercase or a combination of both.
3. If there is another user account on the computer that has Administrator rights, log into the computer using that account and then change your account password.
4. If there are no other user accounts with Administrator rights, the only way to regain access to the computer will be to perform a complete System Recovery.

   NOTES:

   • Refer to the operating instructions supplied with the computer for model-specific information regarding how to perform a complete System Recovery. Manuals are posted on your model support page.
   • Though Sony cannot provide, recommend or guarantee the effectiveness of any specific third-party software product, there are third-party password recovery software tools that may assist in finding or bypassing a forgotten operating system password.