Server Help?

[ElBridge]

Hello everyone! I have a question for any who might be able and willing to help.
My boyfriend came by a server computer which is password protected. We could really use all that memory and processing power, especially because he would like to be able to host his own website instead of paying for something that doesn't really suit his needs anyway. Unfortunately, because he got it second hand and it is password protected, we are unable to access this useful resource! I have asked my tech-savvy friends and all they have been able to tell me is that it's possible but difficult to get past this password protection. Can anyone help me with more specific instructions or direct me to either DIY instructions or a professional with reasonable prices within the south-eastern Virginia area?
I know this "help me hack this computer" sounds sketchy, but his acquisition of the server was completely legit (otherwise I wouldn't be so foolish as to publish it to the whole world!), he just didn't know it was password protected until after it was given to him and he tried to start it up. (He does renovation, so he frequently comes by things rich people don't want anymore. Most of our furniture was consigned to the garbage until E saved it and now it is useful instead of wasteful!) Thousand thanks for your time and any help you may be able to give!

[Lil Chris]

Essentially, there is no difference between a server computer and a regular computer. So, unless you are trying to retrieve information off of the drive, you can just reformat the hard drive and you'll be good to go.

Another way would be to remove the drive from the server and hook it up to a working computer (as a second drive) to view the files. This may not work perfectly, depending on the file system used in the server.

The simplest way is to purchase a new hard drive (50.00 to 100.00) along with an operating system of your choosing and your good to go...

[ElBridge]

Thanks for your response, Chris! Sorry to bother, but I have 1 question for each of your 3 paragraphs.

Do you think I could learn to reformat the hard drive myself? (And where if so)

So will viewing the files help me find the password or something? Oo I feel stupid. hehe

Again, I'm ignorant: Won't purchasing a new hard drive defeat the purpose of the server computer?

Sorry , I know jack about computers, only my flawed understanding of what E has told me about it.

[Lil Chris]

Yes, you can reformat the existing drive yourself. Do you have a working computer now (seems silly, since you're responding to me in a forum). Windows operating systems do have the ability to format hard drives. Do a google search for formatting a hard drive. It would require removing the drive from the server and temporarily running on a working machine.

No, viewing the files will not help you find the password. So, if you're ok with reformatting, that is the way you should go.

No, a new hard drive doesn't defeat the purpose of the server. You may want a larger drive. Depending on how old the server is, it may have a small drive in it. You can get a 1 TB drive for about 80 bucks (check newegg.com).

To address your previous point about running your own server (I'm assuming from home, to run a web site and save a monthly fee). This is not a great idea for various reasons. Typically your upload speed on a home connection (eg, at&t, comcast etc...) won't support more than a few users to your website. There is also the point of most of those connections are dynamic (meaning your ip address changes frequently) making it more challenging to host a site from home. You can use a service to resolve the ip issue, but in all reality it's just to difficult for someone with limited knowledge in this area. If you want to host a local webserver on your local network that would be fine. This would be more for testing and learning more than anything. You could also run a windows home server for performing backups of other machines in your home or for a media server (but this is mostly for techy folks who like to tinker with computers and enjoy projects of this sort).

[ElBridge]

Wow! Thanks for all your help Chris! Even answered a question I didn't know I should have! haha
My friend told me that it was super complicated and I'd have to pay someone a bunch of money to save the comp. I'm going to talk to E tonight and hopefully whatever info I find won't be too far over my head!
Thanks so much! Rep for you!

[Lil Chris]

Originally Posted by ElBridge

Wow! Thanks for all your help Chris! Even answered a question I didn't know I should have! haha
My friend told me that it was super complicated and I'd have to pay someone a bunch of money to save the comp. I'm going to talk to E tonight and hopefully whatever info I find won't be too far over my head!
Thanks so much! Rep for you!

You're welcome & thank you for the rep!

As with anything, it's only super complicated if you don't quite understand what's going on...

If you run into trouble or need someone to walk you through the process more thoroughly (and don't mind spending a few bucks, saving you money from taking it to someone who'll over charge you) I can offer you those services as well. Click on my name above my avatar and go to my homepage. If not that's ok also... Good Luck!

[ElBridge]

Thanks, Chris! If I need help you'll be the first one I ask! Let you know how it goes.