How to Reset a Password to Log on to Windows XP

If you have lost or forgotten the password for a user name to log on to a Windows XP computer, or if the password has expired, there are two methods that you can use to reset the password for that user. The first requires a password reset disk that you or your administrator would have previously created. The second requires you to use an administrator name and password to log on and reset the password in the computer's User Accounts.

Instructions

Use a Password Reset Disk

1. Start the computer. Select the user name for which you want to reset the password.

2. Click "Use Your Password Reset Disk" to start the "Password Reset Wizard."

3. Click "Next" and insert the password reset disk that you or your administrator created previously. Click "Next" again.

4. Enter a new password into the "Type a New Password" box. Enter the same password again into the "Type the Password Again to Confirm" box.

5. Enter a reminder for the new password in the "Type a New Password Hint" box. Click "Next," click "Finish" and log on with the new password.

Reset the Password from an Administrator Account

1. Start the computer. Press "Ctrl+Alt+Delete" twice. Enter the user name and password for the administrator account. If this account does not have a password, leave this field blank. Click "OK" to log on.

2. Click "Start" and select "Run." Type "Control userpasswords2" in the "Open" box and then click "OK."

3. Select the user name for which you want to reset the password. Click "Reset Password."

4. Enter a new password in the "New Password" box. Type the same password again into the "Confirm New Password" box. Click "OK."

5. Restart the computer. Log in with the new password.

References

• Microsoft Support: Reset Forgotten or Expired Password