I recently found a working PC and two monitors in the trash, and I only need to add a stick of RAM to get them up and running. However, I don't have a mouse or keyboard to access the system. Is there any way I can check if the PC has a password without those peripherals? Also, can I use my MacBook or phone somehow?
4 Answers
If you have a rooted Android phone, you could use a specific app to turn it into a keyboard via USB. There are also non-root options for Bluetooth, but pairing them might be tricky without a keyboard to click that confirm button.
You could also just check your local area for a cheap or free keyboard. Sometimes people just give them away!
If you're looking for something affordable, I'd recommend getting a Dell KB216 keyboard and a Dell MS216 mouse. You can find them pretty cheap online or even at second-hand shops. Avoid PS/2 stuff since newer PCs usually only support USB.
If all else fails, you could try checking nearby trash cans for leftover keyboards and mice! Or, just ask around the neighborhood if anyone has one they can spare.
You really need a keyboard to do much with a PC. While you can turn it on and see if it boots up, without a keyboard, you can't interact with it at all. It's kind of essential for anything beyond just powering it up.
I agree! You could try getting a cheap USB keyboard from a thrift store; they usually have plenty of them.
Totally, and USB keyboards are the standard now, so you should be able to find one easily!
That’s a neat idea! But, yeah, you really need the ability to confirm the connection for Bluetooth keyboard functionality.