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dontknowsquat
Senior Member
1505 Posts |
 Posted - 01/10/2013 : 22:19:22
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The grandkids password protected their standard user account. The computer has slowed down to a crawl since they protected their user account. The computer has become almost unusable. I am getting no support form their parents in restricting their activity.
I am looking for a way to recover their password from an administrator account to monitor their activity. Everything I have found so far resets the password. I do not want to do that. I want to be able to access their account without resetting or removing the password.
My goal is to discover what the kids are doing and report it to their parents to get the parents on the same team with me. The bottom line is twofold. If I cannot gain access, I won't fix the computer. If I can get access and fix the computer, I won't fix it again if the parents won't join forces with me. My leverage is that the parents will be unable to use the computer if they won't play ball with me.
any suggestions?
dontknowsquat
field promoted to knowssomesquat
by XHI and BillMSenior on March 8th, 2012
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dontknowsquat
Senior Member
1505 Posts |
Posted - 01/11/2013 : 12:20:06
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I found a way to do it. The method looks like something I shouldn't share in a public forum. It boils down to giving hacking instructions.
dontknowsquat
field promoted to knowssomesquat
by XHI and BillMSenior on March 8th, 2012
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Primrose
Intermediate Member
1282 Posts |
Posted - 01/11/2013 : 15:13:25
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Just curious, is it your computer or in their home?
Primrose  |
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dontknowsquat
Senior Member
1505 Posts |
Posted - 01/11/2013 : 15:40:25
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Primrose,
That's a long story. The Readers Digest version is that their old and new house were supposed to close at the same time. The new house had title problems; so they are bunking with us until they can get into a new house. The battle over who is in charge has deteriorated to the point that questioning my authority equals move out now.
The problematic computer is ours and is set up for everyone to use it in their own user account. Their computer is packed up and has the same problems that our (community) computer has. Their computer has become impossible to use. Our (community) computer has approached the same condition. I suspect that the cause is identical on both computers. Fortunately the Lady of the House and I both have our own computers which are off limits to everyone else.
dontknowsquat
field promoted to knowssomesquat
by XHI and BillMSenior on March 8th, 2012
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Primrose
Intermediate Member
1282 Posts |
Posted - 01/12/2013 : 07:42:01
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Ooh, tough situation, you have my sympathy!
Primrose |
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dontknowsquat
Senior Member
1505 Posts |
Posted - 01/12/2013 : 08:17:03
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| Thanks, Primrose. |
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BillMsenior
Advanced Member
9260 Posts |
Posted - 01/12/2013 : 12:54:15
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Mine, too. I quit repairing my in-laws computers because they won't listen to my advice about security, and staying off certain web sites (they don't do porn, but they click away on other sites).
BMThe Silver Haired TechWhen you're my age, "running out the clock" doesn't sound like a good idea at all. |
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cwsnyder2
Senior Member
3900 Posts |
Posted - 01/12/2013 : 18:42:52
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You have my extreme sympathy.
One option you haven't considered yet:
Install Linux as the only operating system on the computer which is shared, giving each of them their own account. Reasons: - They can't install Windows games which may include malware.
- They can't install Windows 'sharing' software.
- They can still browse the web with Firefox, Chrome or Opera. LibreOffice is still available for all wordprocessing/spreadsheets/presentation/database needs. Games are still available in the repositories, often 'new' games, to them. You can even install a virtual Android machine and access Android apps.
- I personally consider this a plus, but you can't access iTunes.
You could get all of the advantages except the last by getting a Mac Mini or iMac, and they would be spending so much time exploring the Apple universe they might stay out of your hair. |
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dontknowsquat
Senior Member
1505 Posts |
Posted - 01/12/2013 : 21:40:03
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cwsnyder2,
Thanks for the suggestion. With my limited knowledge of Linux and classes starting next week, I prefer to stay with Windows.
I understand your preference for Linux. I am not prepared to find suitable replacements for the 150+ programs on the XP machine. I know that that is way too many, but with six people using it, that is my option of choice. Everyone can do what what they want without interfering with other users. I had to help install and configure most of the programs and then provide instructions for using many of them. I do know what each program is used for and approve of them.
I am convinced at this point that Internet use is the source of current problems. To my knowledge Linux would not insulate from that.
Thanks again.
dontknowsquat
field promoted to knowssomesquat
by XHI and BillMSenior on March 8th, 2012
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Dustin
Senior Member
3436 Posts |
Posted - 01/19/2013 : 12:59:12
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Mr. Bill, here is a good clean website and so clean a 5 year old could look at it and not be harmed.
The contents are very good and makes you want to eat. Note: this is my blog and I have 100 followers..why I do not know but there are over 3900 pictures. If you like sweet foods and kittens and cats and bigger cats along with puppies you would like this blog and the cost to follow is FREE.
Dustin  |
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BillMsenior
Advanced Member
9260 Posts |
Posted - 01/19/2013 : 16:17:23
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THANKS FOR MAKING ME CRAVE DONUTS. I'm fat enough without you tempting me any further. Lucky for me the donut shop is already closed. 
BMThe Silver Haired TechWhen you're my age, "running out the clock" doesn't sound like a good idea at all. |
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Dustin
Senior Member
3436 Posts |
Posted - 02/01/2013 : 07:30:10
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Mr. Bll, the blog I told you about now has over 4,800 pictures and a lot of people leave their recipes. All you have to do is look you do not have to eat it just go humm,humm, good
My lady friend has a kitty cat who is 12 pounds overweight and the vet put him on a 6 pieces of dry cat food per every 24 hours and all the water he wants to drink. She did not like the idea but I told her it is that or you may end up with a dead kitty cat from being overweight.
Dustin |
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xhi
Advanced Member
14282 Posts |
Posted - 02/01/2013 : 09:05:05
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It seems that the old adage "Children should be seen and not heard" applies. Many think this just means kids should be quiet, however the first part is equally important, Children should be seen. They should never be left unattended at a computer.
Respectfully Submitted
Xhi
The Computer Whisperer
Everyone is entitled to my opinion |
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Dustin
Senior Member
3436 Posts |
Posted - 02/02/2013 : 14:47:32
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Hi DNK, you have my sympathy in this matter but since they are your grandchildren and I know what you are trying to do I feel I should keep my mouth shut as I do not want to hurt anyone.
I must agree with X.H.I. that children should never be left unattended at a computer for their own safety.
Good Luck
Dustin |
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Windows XP passwords