Hello. Brand new to the site. Guess that makes me a 'branewbie.' ba dum dum. Ok, so anyway, been reading thru forums for a couple hours evaluating my options. May have to try the MHDD route, but hoping to find a master password. I would like to keep data intact. I am am aware of the sharewares available, but trying to keep cost down if possible. Thanks in advance for input.

If there is a user password set, then "master" password will do you no good.

To circumvent the user password, then proper (expensive) tools and knowledge are required.

Should be a reasonably priced fix from a decent pro, but freebie tools won't help you on this one.

Expect to be able to prove it is actually your drive to have it unlocked.

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Funny you should say that, the laptop was actually brought to me by a customer of a customer, I have my suspicions about the laptop, which is why I'd like to keep data intact, to verify this isn't a stolen machine.