Lost Password

  • Thread starter Thread starter JamesJ
  • Start date Start date
J

JamesJ

Hi. I was unable to start my system because I inadvertently
deleted ntldr from the root directory.
I tried to run the Recovery Console from the cd but either I
didn't write my password down or it didn't prompt me to
create one when I installed xp. This is an upgrade from
WinMe. In any event I needed to reinstall xp and it all went
fine.
How might I reset or recreate a password? I'm the only user
on this machine.

Thanks,
James
 
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 " 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://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
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/lostpass.htm
lists a few more options
 
I'm using Home edition. When I go to User Accounts
with Windows running in normal mode there is a selection
to Create a Password. Does this mean that I didn't create
a password during setup?? This might seem like a dumb
question but if I did create a password, why isn't the
selection Change Password as opposed to Create Password?

Thanks,
James
 
Try the create password, and once you've created it then start in normal mode to
see if the new password works. As regards your question, I don't know, I haven't
had to go through the resetting of my password.
 
I created a password and it works fine, thanks.
Any setting so that I might auto login without
having to type in my password?? I hunted through
some of Windows settings but didn't see it.

Thanks again,
James
 
Hi James, here's info on auto logging in.

.. Go to the Start Menu and the Run box.
.. Type in the following:
control userpasswords2
.. now click OK
.. In the new Windows that appears select the account you wish to make the
primary logon.
.. Now uncheck the "Users must enter a username and password..." box.
.. Hit Apply and a dialog box will appear asking you to confirm the selected
users password.

Click OK.
The changes will work the next time you restart your computer.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315231
How to Enable Automatic Logon in Windows
 
Back
Top