Reset a Windows XP Password

From Wired How-To Wiki

If you've lost your computer's password, then you're left with a very expensive and very useless brick. That is, unless you figure out how to crack your own password.

First, a word of advice: Keep a file with all of your passwords in a convenient, secure location so you don't end up here again. OK, 'nuff said.

If you forgot your Windows XP password, there are a few different methods that allow you to regain access to your computer, but none of them actually reveal your password — they simply let you change it to another combination.

Note: These methods should work for any Windows XP Home or Pro Edition.

This article is part of a wiki. If you have a Wired account and remember the password, log in and teach others how to remember theirs too.

 

Contents [hide] 1 Using a Password-Reset Disk 1.1 Steps 2 Logging On as an Administrator 3 Other Options 3.1 Emergency Boot CD 3.2 Ophcrack 3.3 UBCD 4 In the Future

Using a Password-Reset Disk

Using a password reset disk is the simplest way to get back in business if you forgot your Windows XP password. Of course, it assumes that you had the forethought to create a password reset disk when you set up your computer.

Steps

1. Restart your machine, and when the Windows login screen comes up, click your Username and hit Enter.
2. Below the login dialog, there will be an option that says "Use your password reset disk" — click there, and a wizard will take you through the process of setting a new password. Have your reset disk ready to load when the wizard prompts you. After that, it's just a matter of typing in a new password, saving it, and restarting your computer.

 

Logging On as an Administrator

For most Windows XP systems, there is a built-in "Administrator" account that can be accessed without a password. But first you have to start your computer in "safe mode." Follow these instructions, and you should be back in good graces with XP in a jiffy:

 

1. Restart your computer, and when you see the BIOS POST screen (basically, a few seconds after you hit the power button), alternate pressing Ctrl and F8.
2. When the Windows boot menu appears, select any of the safe modes offered.
3. On the login screen, you should see an “Administrator” login option. If you don’t, press Ctrl + Alt + Del twice and type in “Administrator” and leave the password area blank.
4. Windows should now start up, and you can go to the Control Panel and reset your user password.
5. You can also open Command Promt on any account (under Accessories) and then type "net user (your user name) password" with no parentheses and that automatically changes any accounts password to what you typed in for "password"

Other Options

Emergency Boot CD

Emergency Boot CD is a program that runs off of a CD and can help you boot up a computer when a software or hardware failure is preventing you from doing so. It also includes the Windows Password Wizard, which lets you reset your password. So basically it acts like the Password reset disk (above) that you never created. You can either buy the CD and have it sent to you, or download it and burn to CD yourself.

Ophcrack

If you're feeling brave, or like to play hacker, you can download the free Ophcrack program from another PC, and burn it to a CD.

With Ophcrack, you can create a live CD that has a bootable operating system that will let you start Windows. From there, the program automates the retrieval, decryption and cracking of Windows passwords. If your password has 14 alphanumeric characters or fewer, the program should be able to crack it within minutes.

UBCD

http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/

Ultimate Boot CD runs independently of any operating system. It will boot from any Intel-compatible machine, regardless of whether DOS/Windows/Linux/BeOS is installed on the machine. However, you do need an operating system and a ISO-capable CD writer software to create the Ultimate Boot CD from the downloaded ISO image file.

It contains 100's of PC tools. It is always a free download.

 

In the Future

There are already a variety of computers available with built-in fingerprint scanners. With these devices, a small sensor reads your fingerprint (or other biometric information, like your eye) and logs you into the computer. As this biometric technology gets cheaper, you will find it on more and more machines. This way, you'll never have to remember a password again, so long as you still have your fingers attached.