Windows 7 password encryption help?

[ddstoys]

Here is one for any computer savy members on AP

   My son had a laptop in primary school he gave it to me the other day and want his photos off it but he can't remember his password ( its been 12 months under his bed) is there a way to do this?  I've removed his Hdd but all documents folders show up locked.

   No big deal if it can't be done ill just format and start again but if it can be done he will be wrapped

[wiredoug]

there will be programs - you can hunt them via google 'lost windows 7 password'  etc

this is a good start http://pcsupport.about.com/od/toolsofthetrade/tp/passrecovery.htm

[MartyJ]

Dan

If his document folder is running EFS,  then it's going to be not simple.. But not impossible.

If you plug it in as an external hdd and can read file system then it's not bit lockered which is a good start...

If the freeware stuff can't help let me know as I can help in couple of weeks

[casperthefriendly]

And if you have to reformat it, don't forget to set yourself with an Admin account in case it ever happens again! ;)

[ddstoys]

Thanks for the pointers guys didn't have any luck.  He said not to worry so I've formatted it and will start again for him.