How to Remove a Forgotten XP Password
Windows XP lets you set user passwords for increased system security. If you forget the password, or need to remove it on a used computer, reset it using Windows XP's Safe Mode. Safe Mode is a special boot option used for system maintenance and diagnosis. It disables unnecessary services and drivers to simplify fixing problems. Safe Mode starts with the system's "Administrator" account, letting you reset any user's password.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Restart your computer or power it on. Start tapping the "F8" key about once per second before the Windows splash screen. Press the down arrow keys to select "Safe Mode," then press "Enter."
-
2
Click the "Administrator" account to log in. Enter a password if you set one for this account. Open the "Start" menu and click "Control Panel."
-
-
3
Click "User Accounts." Click on the account you want to edit. Click the "Remove password" link. Restart Windows XP normally.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If F8 doesn't work on your computer but you still can access it with another account, go to start, run, type msconfig, press enter, go to the boot.ini tab, put a check in the SAFEBOOT box and click ok then restart and it will boot in safe mode. When you're in safe mode, open msconfig again and uncheck it to boot normally.
References
More Like This
Comments
-
lawyerlarry
Apr 17, 2009
I need advice how to remember all the different passwords! -
Norma Erickson
Apr 03, 2009
Just what I needed. I have been trying to set up a home office network and one of the computers (running XP) has a forgotten password. Thanks!
-
nethopperz
Jul 06, 2008
Thanks desolator144. Great article! Almost everyone I've ever helped with a forgotten XP password didn't have their administrator password set. It's like taping your spare set of keys to the front door of your home with a note saying "do not enter." :)
