Windows password

[Andrew Stucken]

Recently after contracting the MSBlast virus I wanted to
reinstall some Windoiws files from my installation CD.

However, I was asked for a password and because I could
not remember setting, one after three attempts (including
entering a blank) Dell Techincal Support advised me to
reinstall Windows, which has been a nightmare and very
time consuming, and caused data loss.

(1)If I have set a password but forgotten it, what
workarounds are there?

(2) How do I get to change the password?

WTIA

Andrew Stucken

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Andrew;
To change the password go to User accounts in the Control Panel from
the user you want to change or any Administrator account.
Select the appropriate user, click "Change password."

There are several ways to get past the password.
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.

Reboot to Safe Mode, select Administrator, leave password blank.
Then go to User Accounts in Control Panel.
Select the user and change the password.
This will work only if there is no password set to Administrator.
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.