How to Create a Password Reset Disk in Vista

In today's world we are consumed with having to remember passwords to our computers. When we forget our password either due to just changing it or have not used it for a while. We are now faced with not being able to access your computer that is Windows Vista.

It is important to know that this can only be used if you have a local user account on your computer. If you are at work and you log on to a server or domain, this will not help you.

If you are using your own personal computer (Desktop/Laptop) and you are running it right out of the box, this is for you.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• You will need the one of the following to create your Password Reset Disk:
• USB Flash Drive
• Floppy Disk

1. Click on the Start Button

2. Depending on your start Menu you need to click on one of the following:
   
   * Control Panel
   or
   * Settings then Control Panel

3. Open one of the following:
   
   * User Accounts & Family Safety then User Accounts
   
   or
   
   * User Accounts

4. Insert either your Floppy Disk or USB Flash Drive.

5. In the left pane click on Create Password Reset Disk
   Then Click Next
   Select the drive location from the pull down selection
   Then Click Next

6. Enter Your Current Password when prompted then click Next.
   
   If your password is blank, do not enter a password just Click Next.
   
   Click Next and then Finished

Tips & Warnings

• This is for all versions of Windows Vista
• Then store this floppy or USB Flash Drive some place safe

[grouch]

on 2/8/2009 Nice touch with the, "this will not help you at work." Local IT can breath now and thanks you...great article.