Forgotten password

[Katshad]

I was using my laptop on vacation. After several days of
use, I turned the computer on and could not access
anything, as it didn't show my name to access. When I
press ctl/alt/delete, the window comes up for my
password. I've never had to use my password, and I've
forgotten it! I cannot access my laptop now. Is there a
way I can get another password? I've tried every
password imaginable to get access. HELP! I need my
laptop!

 

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows Shell/User\)]

If you have XP Pro on your computer, at the log in screen type
ctrl-alt-delete
twice. In the user account type administrator, leave the password blank and
press enter. You likely didn't create a password for this hidden account
during setup and if the computer was purchased with XP pre-installed it
doesn't likely have one either,

If you have Home, boot into Safe Mode (F8 after the post test and before
Windows starts. Once Windows starts loading, you've missed it and will have
to try again). You'll have an option to log on as Administrator. Again,
the same procedure, you'll be asked to log in to get into safe mode, type
administrator, leave the password blank and press enter.

This will get you in. Then go to Control Panel, user accounts, select the
specific user and select change password.