How to Change an XP Password in Linux
Resetting and recovering a lost user’s password in Windows XP is easy provided you have access to the administrator account. If you have lost the administrator’s password, things get a bit tricky. One of the best and easiest ways of changing the administrator’s password is by using Linux. With an Unbuntu Linux Live CD, you can access the Windows hard drive and change the admin password, regaining administrative access on your XP installation.
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Instructions
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Download the Ubuntu ISO from Ubuntu.com and burn the image to a CD, if you have not already. Use your favorite ISO recording application (MagicISO, Nero, Roxio or ISO Recorder) to do so.
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Place the Ubuntu Live CD into the computer’s disc drive and restart the computer. Press any key to boot into the Linux disc and select “Try Ubuntu Without Making Any Changes...” when prompted.
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Select “System” > “Administration” from the menu bar, when the Ubuntu desktop loads. Select “Synaptic Package Manager” > “Settings” > “Repositories.” Enable the option to allow restricted software. Close the utility.
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Relaunch the Synaptic Package Manager. Click “Search” and search for “chntpw”. Then hit "Enter." Install the returned result by selecting it and clicking “Apply.”
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Select the Windows hard drive from the “Places” menu.
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Select “Terminal” via the “Applications” menu, located in the “Accessories” subfolder.
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Type "cd: /media/disk/WINDOWS/system32/config" and hit "Enter" to navigate to the Windows hard drive.
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Type “sudo chntpw SAM” and hit "Enter." Use an asterisk to set a blank password, or type in the desired new password, and hit "Enter." Press “Y” to confirm the action.
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Remove the Ubuntu Linux Live CD and restart the computer. You have successfully changed the Windows password via Linux.
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