My sister recently purchased a restaurant, including the web domain name. She did not get the password to the site, so she cannot edit it. She only has the first name of the IT person who controlled the site and has the password. Anyone know how to access a site you own but do not have a password?

The fast, easy way would be for your sister's Attorney to contact the seller's Attorney and ask for it - IF the website was part of the sale agreement/contract.

So when she called up the prior owner what did they say ?

Contact the company that provides the web site, and prove them the contract showing you now own the site.

If your hosting company and or your domain registrant give you control of the site without the password or action from the former owner CHANGE THEM. Contact the former owner and ask for the password once you have it log in and change the password. It is frustration but it the host and or registrar stick to there guns and do not give out the info without a court order or the permission of the original owner, they are doing the right thing and you would expect the same fron them if someone was trying to take over the site.

This person bought the restaurant and, presumably, the website. The only way to know is to review the contract. If the webiste was part of the purchase then she is legally entitled to the password. No court order, nothing else required.

This is between the seller and the buyer and their Attorneys.