How to Retrieve Lost Windows Passwords

Losing your Windows password can be one of the most frustrating experiences you encounter. With so many passwords to remember, it's a miracle our brains don't crash or need to be frequently defragmented. Fortunately, we aren't so hopeless and neither is losing your Windows password. Retrieving a lost Windows password is as simple as following a few easy steps.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Windows XP CD

1. Put your Windows XP operating system CD into your CD-Rom drive and start your computer.

2. Choose the specified key to run from the CD. In most cases, a message will appear which instructs you to "Press any key to boot from CD."

3. Wait for Setup to check your system and load the appropriate files. A message will appear indicating this action.

4. Press "Enter" to setup Windows. Press F8 to accept the Licensing Agreement, then choose the "Repair" option on the Setup screen.

5. Allow the Repair function to complete its process. It may takes a few minutes for Setup to copy all of your files. Wait for the computer to reboot. Usually a message appears indicating that the computer will reboot in 10 to 15 seconds. Refrain from pressing any keys after the computer starts again. The computer will reboot automatically.

6. Watch the bottom left corner of your screen for the "Installing Devices" message. Press "Shift + F10" when you see this. A command console will appear allowing for access to a number of system functions.

7. Type "NUSRMGR.CPL" and press "Enter" after the prompt. This will give you graphical access to the User Accounts in your Control Panel.

8. Select the account that needs to be changed and alter your password or remove it altogether. Type "control userpasswords2" if you want to log on without using a password. Close the windows and exit the command console. Enter your Product ID when prompted.

9. Log on to your system according to the new password option you chose in Step 8. This process does not damage your previously saved files and settings, so they should still be intact.

Tips & Warnings

• This process only works for Windows XP.

Resources

• Emergency Boot CD - free alternative to the above steps.

[fluth]

on 5/9/2009 There are a lot of Windows password revealers and crackers available, but I��ve found that Windows Password Recovery Tool is the most effective.:http://www.windowspasswordsrecovery.comit not only supports XP, 2000, and NT, I have personally tested it with Vista Home Premium and Ultimate. It works perfectly to reset any local user account to a blank password