I recently was dispatched to a new customer site with an existing 1232DSHS/TVS 200.

I connected no problem to the KSU via the Panasonic PC SW, but when I connected to the TVS 200 (hyperterminal) it asked for an "administrative password".

I've never needed password to program a TVS before.

Is there a back door to circumvent the password, or a way to disable it with out defaulting the entire VM?

Also, they said very recently the line privacy stopped working. Now anyone can pick up a line in use and join the conversation (like privacy release).

I couldn't find in the manual or in the database menus any reference to privacy on the lines or stations other than privacy release, which requires the user to dial a code to allow the other party to join the conversation.

Can somebody point me in the right direction so this new customer doesn't think I'm a bonehead?? (which is debatable!!)

Did you try just hitting the enter key?
Did you try 1234?

If someone put a password on the terminal the only way to reset it is to default it or put an external modem on it and have Panasonic Tech. support reset it.
The other problem is in the TD1232.

There is no way you should be able to go off hook on a CO line or press a CO button and join a call even if executive busy override is activated. You should still have to hold the button down a few seconds.
make sure program field 505 is is disabled.

I'll try 505.

I tried it myself. If there's a red CO key, all I have to do is press it and it turns green and I'm in the conversation.....

on the TA 624 you would enter programming and go into 999, select "all para" and press store.
It shouldn't take long to reprogram it as it isn't that large of a system.

For the TVS you would power it down, turn dip switch 1 & 3 to the right and the others to the left. power it up with the lap top connected.
and hyperterm running.
it should go into an auto test and say "apits established" This is after you take care of the TA624 and assign the voicemail ports.

One more thing, make sure you have both of those units on a UPS. One with AVR so that it will correct any voltage fluctuations.

Yeah, I tried 1234 and just enter.
the previous vendor put a password on it.

Well then you either have to default it or have Tech. support reset through an external modem.