HELP! Can't remember password

[Jennifer]

I've got a problem and I can't figure out what to do... I
have the Administrators account for the PC and I've
forgotten what I changed my password to. I left myself a
cryptic 'hint' which is not so helpful.

I can't seem to create a new administrators account on my
kids account - which is probably good, but not so good at
the moment.

How do I figure out my own password?!

 

[Andrew]

I have the same problem, is there any way to fix this? Is
there anyway to reset my password and keep my files? I
didn't make a password reset disk... Is there any
solution?

 

[Taurarian]

Hi Jennifer, suggest you write it down in future, perhaps this will assist
you.

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=290260
EFS, Credentials, and Private Keys from Certificates Are Unavailable After a
Password Is Reset

Windows Home XP
1. As windows is loading up press F8 repeatedly until the Windows advanced
screen comes up.
2. Select safe mode (the version of windows you want to use click XP wait
until it loads the welcome screen.
3. Select Administrator and it will log you on as administrator without a
password (provided a password was not created in this hidden account during
setup).
4. Go to Start - Control Panel - User Accounts.
5. Select your name and click change the password.
Then you should be able to change the password, shut down the computer and
restart in normal mode and use the new password you just created.

****

If you have XP Pro on your computer:-
1. At the log in screen type " ctrl-alt-delete " twice.
2. In the User Account, type Administrator
3. Leave the password blank and press enter.
(Most likely a password wasn't created in this hidden account during setup).

If you decide to set a password it is recommended that you create a
Password Reset Disk by clicking on "Prevent a Forgotten Password" link in
the left pane. The Wizard will guide you through.

http://www2.cajun.net/~theriots/xpsitefolder/win_xp_passwords.htm
Administrator and User Passwords in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;321305
How to Log On to Windows XP If You Forget Your Password or Your Password
Expires

 

[Marty]

Windows XP pro: What happens if during setup I did create
an admin password, I've lost that, and now I'm locked out
of any account so I cant login at all and reset the user
password either? thanks

 

[Taurarian]

Then in your case things are not looking good. You would have to look for a
utility to assist you.
I do not know how to bypass the password in the hidden Administrator
Account.