How to Change an Administrator Password in XP

Using passwords for user accounts in Windows XP protects your sensitive data from other users attempting to access your computer. This is particularly important if your computer is set up to allow for remote access and log-in attempts. To change the password for an administrator account in Windows XP you will need to have access to at least one administrator account on that computer.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Log in to XP using an administrator account. This does not have to be the administrator account whose password you wish to change.

2. Click on "Start" and then on "Control Panel."

3. Double-click on "User Accounts" in the control panel to open the user account management window.

4. Select the account whose password you want to change and click on it.

5. Click on "change a password," which is the second option in the list. It may say "create a password" if that account does not yet have a password.

6. Enter your password in the first line. Enter the new password you would like for the account on the second line and then re-enter it on the third. Add an optional password hint in the final line.

7. Click the "Change Password" button to save the changes and return to the account management page. Close this page by clicking the red X in the upper right corner.

Tips & Warnings

• Put nothing in the new password boxes to remove the password from an account.

References

• Microsoft Support