How to Get Past the User Password in XP

There exist a number of programs designed to divine or bypass a user's password, made necessary by the simple fact that people are inclined to forget it. However, these programs may cost money and may not be the safest things you can put on your computer. Fortunately, most people leave a way to bypass the computer without even realizing it: the administrator account, accessible from Safe Mode, allows you all the access you need.

Instructions

1. Press "F8" while booting to access the "Advanced Startup Options" and choose to start using Safe Mode.

2. Log into the administrator account. If prompted whether you want to proceed in Safe Mode, click "Yes."

3. Click on the "Start menu and then the "Control Panel" icon.

4. Double-click on "User Accounts," then choose the account of the user whose password you need to bypass.

5. Click on "Remove Password" and you will be able to access that account without a password. Restart your computer, allow it to boot normally, and choose the user account you wish to log in to.

References

• Microsoft: Advanced Startup Options Including Safe Mode
• Microsoft: What Is an Administrator Account?