forgot login password

[Roberto H.]

I'd like to know how can i access my pc again, I bought
another one almost a year ago and had to stop using the
other one, now I'm in need of selling it but i can't
remember the password that i had back then, and
the "hint" that I put on it wasn't really a hint so that
nobody could figure out my password, but the joke's on me
now. I really need desperate help here.

 

[KJP]

Restart your computer and start pressing F8 right before
the Windows Splash screen shows up (or as soon as your
computer does the post test)

Select safe mode

When the computer boots into safe mode, there may be an
administrator accout. Hopefully there is no password or
it could boot strait to the desktop. Then you can change
the password once you are in the admin account.

If there is a password on the admin, then you are in the
same stuck place I am in with one of my company computers.

hope this helps.

KJP

 

[squidfoot]

from another user. he suggested booting to dos. delete the file in
system32\config\ called SAM. It supposedly removes the password. haven't
had to try it, but am curious.

s

 

[Guest]

If you're desparate you might try a password recovery
tool from the internet...do so at your own discretion.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Roberto;
If you are selling the computer, you are better off Clean Installation
of Windows XP.
That will ensure all personal data is gone as well as the buyer has a
clean computer.
There are password instructions below the Clean Installation
information.

Clean Installation
Disconnect all peripherals (camera, printer, scanner, etc)
Disconnect network/modem cable.
Go to BIOS and set CDROM as boot device before hard drive.
Insert Windows XP CD and reboot.
At "Press any key to boot to CDROM" quickly press a key and follow the
prompts for a Clean installation:
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp
Delete all partitions in step 5 if you desire to erase all data on the
hard drive.
Partitioning and formatting will be done automatically.
All data will be destroyed, back-up important data first.
Enable or install firewall BEFORE connecting network cable.
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=283673
Install ALL Critical Windows Updates:
Start/All Programs/Windows Update
After you are finished, you will need to load the appropriate drivers.
If your computer was shipped with Windows XP, these procedures may or
may not apply.
Check your manual or contact the computer manufacturer for more
details.
**********************************

Password:
Try leaving the password blank.

The password is Case Sensitive.
Check Caps Lock and try various of Capital combinations.

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=321305
If you do not have a Password Recovery Disk, it is to late to make it.
Or
Log in to any account that has Administrator access.
Then go to User Accounts in Control Panel.
Select the user and change the password.

Windows XP Pro:
At the log-in screen, press Ctrl/Alt/Del twice quickly
Type "Administrator" and leave password blank.

Windows XP Home:
Reboot, tapping F8 each second.
Select Safe Mode at the menu.
Select Administrator, leave password blank.

Then go to User Accounts in Control Panel.
Select the user and change the password.
If you are using Windows XP Pro and have encrypted data, you may
permanently lose access to the encrypted data.

Here is another option:
http://www.wininternals.com/products/repairandrecovery/index.asp

Another option is to install Windows XP on another partition and take
Ownership of your data.
You could also perform another installation on the same partition,
although this is not a permanent fix and it is recommended to perform
a Clean Installation after retrieving your data.

After this is resolved, take precautions to not lose the password.

 

[Roberto H.]

Thanks to all of you. I found most convenient to do the
Safe Mode thing and it worked, would have like to do the
Clean Installation but I don't have the Windows XP Discs.
Thanks again. ^^