[SOLVED] Can't get past desktop

[datarotojohn]

I recently accepted a computer someone was going to trash.It's old but who cares, I only want it for my son to type on.The problem is whoever had it before set a password to get past the desktop. Obviously I can't guess the username & password.Does anyone know a way around this? Thanks.

[forestpixie]

http://ubuntuforums.org/showpost.php?p=750882&postcount=1

[datarotojohn]

I tried your suggestion. When the recovery mode is entered it goes thru a lot of text as you say and pauses waiting for my input. When it pauses it says, "root@chandra-desktop:~#" and the cursor blinks waiting for my input. Chandra is the name that pops up on the desktop when it asks for me to input a username and password (that I don't know). Can you further assist? Thanks.

[strabes]

Is there a specific reason why you can't just install again?