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Locked out after domain change

  • 27-08-2025 08:34PM
    #1
    Bocadilloo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 236 ✭✭


    Had an old work laptop which was on a domain. Even though I had admin privileges, I changed to a workgroup account to try and customise it. Unfortunately I can't log in now(my previous username and password don't work) so can't reverse my change.

    Wondering if anyone has any idea on how to reverse this change.? Have tried cmd and regedit but no luck. Not too bothered about the laptop but accessing my documents would be my goal if possible



Comments

  • #2
    smuggler.ie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,415 ✭✭✭smuggler.ie


    Dont think you can sign in to domain account profile since dis-joined. Join back to domain should restore access to account and data.
    see if hirens would allow to access data (have not tested myself)

    history of boards 2021




  • #3
    Bocadilloo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 236 ✭✭Bocadilloo


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123760573#Comment_123760573

    Thanks, well over my head at this point. As I don't have a username or password, I've only managed to get to cmd and regedit through advanced troubleshooting option. Don't really know how to proceed. I'll probably have to drop it in somewhere to see if I can retrieve anything



  • #4
    smuggler.ie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,415 ✭✭✭smuggler.ie


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123760602#Comment_123760602

    download hirens and make bootable USB(requires another working computer)
    Boot into hirens USB on offender.
    Providing no bitlocker on laptop, should have access to disk and content, see where it leads.
    If laptop is bitlocked - recovery key needed to access disk drive

    Hirens allow to(have tools) create local admin, but bitlocker might be the main barrier here
    even if have access to drive as local admin, not sure if able to access domain account data(just haven't tested/attempted, see yourself )

    history of boards 2021




  • #5
    smuggler.ie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,415 ✭✭✭smuggler.ie


    well, attaching disk to another PC (PROVIDING NO BITLOCKER/have recovery key) should allow to attempt to browse through content/data

    history of boards 2021




  • #6
    dbentham
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 67 ✭✭dbentham


    Even if it does turn out to be encrypted with Bitlocker, the IT people in the company may still have the 48 digit Bitlocker recovery key. This key would remain the same, even after the laptop was dis-joined from the company's domain. You would then be able to mount the drive as normal in Hirens (or another operating system) and therefore access it's data.



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  • #7
    Bocadilloo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 236 ✭✭Bocadilloo


    Yes it does have bitlocker. Was searching around to see if this key was saved anywhere in the registry but no luck. Cheers, will have a go with hirens and see where it gets me to.



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