How to Override the Administrative Password

Have you forgotten your Administrator password for Windows XP? This happens to almost everyone at some point, but fortunately, there is an easy solution in a security loophole on your Windows XP installation disk. This guide will walk you through using the Windows XP disk to reset your Administrator password while leaving your custom settings and programs untouched.

Things You'll Need

• Your bootable Windows XP CD

Instructions

1. Insert your Windows XP CD, and restart your computer. Watch the screen for the prompt "Press any key to boot from CD," and hit a key when it appears.

2. Proceed as if this were a normal "repair" installation of Windows. Allow the CD to start drivers, press "F8" to agree to the license agreement, and select your installation of Windows XP for Repair by hitting the "R" key when prompted.

3. Allow the repair process to continue until it reboots your computer. Do not be fooled by the "Press any key to boot from CD" prompt; just leave the computer alone to continue the repair process.

4. Watch the bottom left hand corner of the screen. When you see the "Installing Devices" progress bar, hit "Shift+F10," and a command prompt window will appear.

5. Type "NUSRMGR.CPL" at the prompt, and hit "Enter." You now have graphical access to the Users control panel! Change or remove passwords as you require.

6. Allow the repair installation to complete, and you will be able to log in with your new password.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not cancel the installation before it is complete, or you will not be able to use your new password. You also risk damaging your installation so that you require a real repair installation.