Help with Powerbook 165 password issues

[evgret]

I have a powerbook 165 that I haven't used in 12 years. Back then I accidently password protected it and cannot remember what the password is. (I don't know what I was thinking). Is there any way around this?? I don't care about the computer, but there are files that I wanted to retrieve.

I'm sorry if i posted in the wrong section. This was my first visit. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[karenflower]

Wow, 12 years! That's quite something. 🙂 It's cool that it still works!

As for the password, do you know if you used a program called 'At Ease'? If so, this thread might possibly be of some help: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/43440/ (post #4 in particular)

Good luck!

 

[teleromeo]

possibly this is some extension that loads when you start up. Try to start up holding the shift key pressed, that disables the extensionss.

 

[evgret]

Thanks for the tips...

When I boot up regularly it starts up just fine (for a 14 year old machine), and the password screen appears.

When I hold down the shift key it sounds as though it is booting up but then the screen stays light grey without anything on it at all. Am I perhaps doing it incorrectly?

Should I press the start button and then quickly press the shift key down? Or press the shift key and then hit the power button? How long do I technically hold the shift key down for?

I'm sorry these are such stupid, basic questions but I really want my files!

Thanks again for the help!