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Re:Show HN: If you lose your memory, how to regain access to... by registeredcorn on Friday February 06, 2026 @03:42PM (#46917863)
I explicitly make it so I cannot regain access to my computer in the event that my memory becomes faulty.

I would be in an impaired state, and cannot function in way that would be conducive to either work or pleasure in terms of computer use.

That is to say, the entire reason why I have password security at all is to keep out people who do not know the password. If someone does not know the password, they should not be able to access the system. That obviously and clearly applies to myself as much as any other person. "If you do not know it, then you do not need it."

Re:Show HN: If you lose your memory, how to regain access to... by catlifeonmars on Friday February 06, 2026 @03:48PM (#46917937)
What if you forgot your password but retained all other memories?
Re:Show HN: If you lose your memory, how to regain access to... by eljojo on Friday February 06, 2026 @04:33PM (#46918437)
asking the real questions here
Re:Show HN: If you lose your memory, how to regain access to... by wavemode on Friday February 06, 2026 @04:44PM (#46918547)
Well see, that's why I keep my "password" memory stored snugly next to "breathing" and other such. If I'm walking around conscious, then I must still know my password.
Re:Show HN: If you lose your memory, how to regain access to... by fragmede on Saturday February 07, 2026 @07:56AM (#46923483)
I must have missed that option in the character creation part of being born (along with choosing my parents). For the record, human memory doesn't actually work in practice. It's unbelievably uncommon, but TBI have weird effects.
Re:Show HN: If you lose your memory, how to regain access to... by esafak on Friday February 06, 2026 @03:47PM (#46917921)
No family, eh?
Re:Show HN: If you lose your memory, how to regain access to... by seb1204 on Friday February 06, 2026 @04:57PM (#46918685)
Maybe but does not want to share the pics or tax return.
Re:Show HN: If you lose your memory, how to regain access to... by saltcured on Friday February 06, 2026 @04:29PM (#46918394)
I agree in broad strokes. If I am incapacitated, that is when things like durable power-of-attorney, medical advance directives, and living trusts come into play.

The important thing is to ensuring your computer is not a single point of failure. Instead of losing a password, you could have theft, flood, fire, etc. Or for online accounts, you are one vendor move away from losing things. None of these should be precious and impossible to replace. I've been on the other side of this, and I think the better flow is to terminate or transfer accounts, and wipe and recycle personal devices.

A better use of your time is to set up a disaster-recovery plan you can write down and share with people you trust. Distribute copies of important data to make a resilient archive. This could include confidential records, but shouldn't really need to include authentication "secrets".

Don't expect others to "impersonate" you. Delegate them proper access via technical and/or legal methods, as appropriate. Get some basic legal advice and put your affairs in order. Write down instructions for your wishes and the "treasure map" to help your survivors or caregivers figure out how to use the properly delegated authority.