[Solved] Clarification of ROC.

Thanks for the prompt answer. Your advice makes perfect sense.

Now I know "Officially" the proper way of handling such request.

I once posted a reference to the Rules in one such thread and a Moderator posted a link to Ophcrack - absolutely wonderful example to set.

Would not the ROC have been written to acknowledge the fact that physical access can be gained by theft?

I agree there are circumstances where we could legitimately advise on going through Safe mode as Administrator to delete a User Account password, on grounds that the owner would know the password is missing on their return but I believe recommending software that tells a user the password so they can gain access leaving it in place is wrong. I also post into BIOS password threads telling the OP to go to the manufacturer but only because I know they have systems in place to check ownership before assisting - alternatively, they charge the earth.

From memory I reckon every Windows NT* user for at least twelve years or more has automatically been advised to set a password hint and although it sounds like rough justice we should either stick to our present ROC or abandon that clause completely. That lot of territory is too broad for understandable Rules to cover.

I agree with you jpishgar. The answer tecmo34 gave me puts the 'judgement call' in the hands of the moderators and rightly so, that's what they're here for.

My question was specifically aimed at persons coming to the forums asking about "Lost" or "Forgotten" passwords within their computer (BIOS or Windows login) and tecmo34 gave an excellent answer for those situations.

With the now official directive, I will consider the person making the post asking for help to be the rightful owner of the computer and leave the "might be stolen" part up to the police in the area the person is at.

A different question can and probably should be asked about other situations such as the gamer that seeks a password/source to make 'their' game run, (they swear they had it, just lost it), or a 'missing' (yea, right) CD Key for any application. Tricky posters are sure to come here hoping we're 'cool' and will help them 'get in'. My own common sense tells me they are out of luck and I act on that, but that's just me. Any missing software passwords or keys are suspect to me. They can cry all they want but they're getting nothing from me... unless we (I) am directed otherwise.

Now there is a man that thinks with his head. You are so right. The OP would be breaking the RoC and our "Always there when you need them" moderators would delete any post they didn't want answered. So we are totally in the clear.