Windows 8 won't boot off a windows 7 DVD? What the hell?

[TheDarkKnight]

I am trying to reset a Windows 8 password for a friend. Well, I have no experience whatsoever with Windows 8. But I have read a couple of articles that explain how to do this.

EDIT: I can boot off a DVD. I tried two different Windows 7 DVD's and I guess Windows 8 looks at the content, laughs at me, and proceeds to boot right back into Windows 8. What can I do now?

 

[douglasb]

Disable "Secure Boot" in your BIOS.

 

[TheReaWarmonger]

Using Windows 7 DVD to reset a Windows 8 password, seems legit...

As stated, try turning off Secure Boot in the bios.

 

[TheDarkKnight]

Using Windows 7 DVD to reset a Windows 8 password, seems legit...

As stated, try turning off Secure Boot in the bios.

Can't. The BIOS is password protected also. What does that lady say to Steve Martin in "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles" when he's trying to buy a ticket?

Thanks Microsoft. You really do hate your customers don't you.

 

[corkyg]

How can you blame Microsoft for setting a BIOS password?

 

[Matt1970]

Yep, don't blame Microsoft for a friend that forgot BOTH of their passwords.

 

[sourceninja]

I know it's been a decade or more sense I've had to mess with a bios, but can't you just pull the battery and let the bios reset itself?

 

[Mark R]

I know it's been a decade or more sense I've had to mess with a bios, but can't you just pull the battery and let the bios reset itself?

This may work on some DIY build desktops.

However, on most big OEM systems and laptops, the BIOS password cannot be reset except by a manufacturer service center, who will only undertake the work if you can provide proof of ownership.

 

[TheDarkKnight]

How can you blame Microsoft for setting a BIOS password?

For being over zealous about incorporating over-the-top security on a personal laptop to protect absolutely nothing on the laptop itself. There is nothing on the laptop that has any value whatsoever except to the person who owns it.

This would be comparable to putting a password on a playstation 3 or a physical key and lock on a book. It's security "overkill" to the detriment of a legitimate paying customer. Why do most refrigerators come without padlocks on the front? What if a burglar breaks into my house late at night and while he is stealing my 48" big screen tv decides he's hungry and wants something to eat. I can't have people stealing my food now can I?

So Microsoft thought that nobody would ever lose a password again since the release of Windows 8 even though people have been forgetting passwords for the past 5 decades on computers?

Looks like my incessant Windows 8 bashing because of the pathethic Windows 8 "METRO" UI wasn't taking a global view of why Windows 8 sucks. I owe an apology to Microsoft for bashing their pathetic new OS based upon the interface alone. Sorry Microsoft.

Anyone got a sledge hammer?

 

[douglasb]

This may work on some DIY build desktops.

However, on most big OEM systems and laptops, the BIOS password cannot be reset except by a manufacturer service center, who will only undertake the work if you can provide proof of ownership.

Never saw a system that pulling the CMOS battery didn't work on. I have done this with many laptops.

 

[TheDarkKnight]

Never saw a system that pulling the CMOS battery didn't work on. I have done this with many laptops.

It sounds like it might work but if the BIOS is stored in some sort of flash type memory why does it even need a battery to retain its settings? USB flash drives do not require batteries. Flash drive data isn't kept in place by power. It's kept in place by some method beyond my comprehension but I know it isn't battery power. I think things are different today.

Also, does anybody know if the Windows 8 90-day trial download is a bootable ISO that would act as a recovery DVD? It would only take me about 30 minutes to download, burn and test myself but I am a lazy person so...if someone could just tell me that would be great.

 

[douglasb]

It sounds like it might work but if the BIOS is stored in some sort of flash type memory why does it even need a battery to retain its settings? USB flash drives do not require batteries. Flash drive data isn't kept in place by power. It's kept in place by some method beyond my comprehension but I know it isn't battery power. I think things are different today.

CMOS battery keeps the clock going. Think about it. How does your computer know what time it is, as soon as you turn it on and go into BIOS?

On some newer systems, removing the CMOS battery will only clear the clock. In this case, try using CMOS reset jumper.

 

[ControlD]

Also, you can disable the password in Windows 8. I wouldn't do it, but it is a pretty simple process.

 

[Anteaus]

You sure this isn't a simple issue with boot order? Perhaps it is simply ignoring the DVD in the drive. Sometimes there is a boot priority override hotkey to use to allow you to select whatever boot device you want.

 

[CSMR]

For being over zealous about incorporating over-the-top security on a personal laptop to protect absolutely nothing on the laptop itself. There is nothing on the laptop that has any value whatsoever except to the person who owns it.

Most people have private information on their laptop. Including information valuable to steal such as accounts and passwords, work files and data.

I always thought it was a big problem that Windows was not secure against password resets. If you are happy that anyone with physical access to your computer can use your account, then just don't use a password.

If there is really nothing valuable on the computer, reinstall the OS.

 

[TheDarkKnight]

You sure this isn't a simple issue with boot order? Perhaps it is simply ignoring the DVD in the drive. Sometimes there is a boot priority override hotkey to use to allow you to select whatever boot device you want.

Actually, it did attempt to boot from the DVD, but from what I can see, Windows 8 has still has a hand in the boot process. I put a Windows 7 SP1 DVD into the drive and it at least appeared to be trying to boot from that DVD but never would. Apparently, you can only boot a DVD if Windows 8 approves of it.

I gave up trying to reset the password. The only thing Windows 8 would allow is a reset to factory defaults. So I went with that option. It's probably done by now. I am pretty sure this will make the latptop usable again. What a joke.

 

[ControlD]

I don't think the boot issue is a Windows 8 thing honestly. Out of curiosity I just booted my Windows 7 DVD and it worked as expected. I have also booted numerous Linux DVDs on this same system with no issues (in fact this system is a triple boot setup and all three boot just fine).

 

[TheDarkKnight]

I don't think the boot issue is a Windows 8 thing honestly. Out of curiosity I just booted my Windows 7 DVD and it worked as expected. I have also booted numerous Linux DVDs on this same system with no issues (in fact this system is a triple boot setup and all three boot just fine).

It's called "secure boot" and it only works if you have a UEFI BIOS. Your computer probably doesn't have a UEFI BIOS. Otherwise, it would be easy to get past the Windows 8 security. Which obviously, you appear to be doing.

Anyway, I did a Windows 8 "reset to factory" and I can actually use the laptop again. Thank God for this security. I shudder to think what would have happened if mine or anybody elses MP3 collection were to fall into the wrong hands. It could have devastating consequences to say the least. Thank you Microsoft, for locking up computers so ****ng tight even the original purchaser cannot get back in without wiping out all their own personal data.

And yes I would like some cheese please, thank you.

Edit: One more hilarious tidbit for those who want a good laugh. I set the new password to the same thing as the user account name. Yes, Microsoft allows this.

 

[WilliamM2]

I have a UEFI bios with Win 8, I can boot to anything I want by pressing F11. USB, Win 7 DVD, Linux USB, you name it. Quit blaming Microsoft for your inability to figure out how..

 

[TheDarkKnight]

I have a UEFI bios with Win 8, I can boot to anything I want by pressing F11. USB, Win 7 DVD, Linux USB, you name it. Quit blaming Microsoft for your inability to figure out how..

Microsoft is the reason my girlfriend left me, dammitt, and don't try to convince me otherwise.

I guess I have a lot to learn about Windows 8. If only to help the poor saps who have fallen victim to it.

 

[Anteaus]

The catch is to not forget your passwords. While there is some criticism to be levied at the software for not providing an elegant solution, none of it would have mattered with the password.

Personally I'm happy with the idea that it would be so difficult for someone to gain access to my computer. In this case you had your friends blessing, but if this had been some random guy's computer and you were having trouble getting access then its a good thing.

 

[colonelciller]

remove laptop HDD --> put into Desktop --> copy needed files

this 'security feature' is about locking down hardware to win 8.
it is not about securing user data.

 

[ViRGE]

remove laptop HDD --> put into Desktop --> copy needed files

this 'security feature' is about locking down hardware to win 8.
it is not about securing user data.

The security feature is about ensuring malware doesn't tamper with the bootloader, thereby allowing the OS to follow a chain of trust to validate further components, to the point where it can be trusted to self-heal. Not booting certain external drives is at best a side benefit against local attacks. For end-to-end security, you'd need to use BitLocker too.

 

[hamunaptra]

Its hilarious to me seeing people whine about how passwords & security are too tight when they are trying to do stuff to their system and they blame MS for implementing such "ridiculous" mechanisms. But, as soon as their system becomes infested w/ viruses and their information stolen they whine exactly the opposite! "MS doesnt make their OS's secure enough ...." ... freakin pick a side and stick to it. You guys have no idea how often I see this exact behaviour. ROFL!

 

[Gunbuster]

"There is nothing on the laptop that has any value whatsoever except to the person who owns it."

Wow. People let you work on their computer? but then again you seem a good match to the friend who went in to their BIOS and set a password. Obviously they just stumbled into the BIOS and set that password in their sleep because why on earth would they do it with a purpose? They have nothing of value to anyone else on that laptop .