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1228

answers:

4

I'm in a bit of a mess here. I installed PostgreSQL on my Vista computer a couple of days ago but then when asked to enter the password for the postgre user account I couldn't remember it (allegedly I was asked during setup but I don't remember that).

Anyway, so I uninstalled Pg with the intention of reinstalling it, removed the user account, it's /Users/ directory and it's special privelleges ("Advanced user profile properties") but when I come to install Pg it seems to think the account still exists as when I supply a password during setup it says that it is not the correct password - meaning that the account still exists somewhere.

Is there anyway I can recover this?

+2  A: 

Go to Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> Computer Management. There under "Local Users and Groups" you can see all users created for your system. Remove "postgres" and reinstall PostgreSQL.

liggett78
Or you can just reset the account's password while you're there.
kquinn
Where abouts is the "Local Users and Groups" category? Here is what I see: http://www.kalleload.net/uploads/jrwddejjnheh.png
Ross
Hmm, that should be under "System Tools" actually. Are you in some kind of AD domain? Try "net user" from the command line. It should show you a list of users. "net user /?" will list available operations and their syntax.
liggett78
This PC is a little borked (the Admin Tools folder was actually empty when I looked first - had to restore the shortcuts) but I've been successfully able to remove the user using net user postgres /DELETE. Thanks!
Ross
A: 

On Vista you can go to Control Panel -> User Accounts -> Manage Another Accounts then select user postgres, change the password if you forget your last password.

moysoft
A: 

I have windows 7 and a new computer had it about 1yr. I downloaded PostgresSQL 8.3 I got the same problem as above. I did go into Control Panel -> User Accounts -> Manage Another Accounts however the only accounts shows are the account which I'm currently logged into TheFam(Admin) and Guest User. I'm lost! =-(

Justin
A: 

@ liggett78: thanks very much ... awesome tip

puvit