Boot into Windows XP after forgetting your password

• How to Create a Password Reset Disk

• How to Log on to the Computer By Using a Password Reset Disk

SUMMARY

If you forget your password (or it is accidentally changed, kids!!), this is a way of ensuring you can boot into windows. I will describe how to create and use a password reset disk for a computer that is part of a workgroup, or that is not connected to a network. 

NOTE: The disk that you create can only be used on the computer on which it was created.

How to Create a Password Reset Disk

Use a Computer Administrator Account

1. Click Start , and then click Control Panel .
   
   
2. In Control Panel, click User Accounts .
   
   
3. In the User Accounts pane, click the account that you want to work with.
   
   
4. Under Related Tasks , click Prevent a forgotten password to start the Forgotten Password Wizard, and then click Next .
   
   
5. Insert a blank, formatted disk into drive A, and then click Next .
   
   
6. In the Current user account password box, type the password for the user account that you chose in step 3, and then click Next .
   
   NOTE : If the user account does not have a password, do not type a password into the Current user account password box.
   
   The Forgotten Password Wizard creates the disk.
   
   
7. When the Progress bar reaches 100% complete , click Next , and then click Finish .
   
   
8. Remove, and then label the password reset disk. Store the disk in a safe place.
   
   

Use a Limited Account

1. Click Start , and then click Control Panel .
   
   
2. Under Pick a category , click User Accounts .
   
   
3. Under Related Tasks , click Prevent a forgotten password to start the Forgotten Password Wizard.
   
   
4. Click Next .
   
   
5. Insert a blank, formatted disk into drive A, and then click Next .
   
   
6. In the Current user account password box, type your password, and then click Next .
   
   NOTE : If your user account does not have a password, do not type a password into the Current user account password box.
   
   The Forgotten Password Wizard creates the disk.
   
   
7. When the Progress bar reaches 100% complete , click Next , and then click Finish .
   
   
8. Remove, and then label the password reset disk. Store the disk in a safe place.
   
   

How to Log on to the Computer By Using a Password Reset Disk

1. At the Windows XP logon screen, click the user name that you want to use. The Type your password box appears. Press ENTER, or click the right-arrow button. The following error message appears:
   

   Did you forget your password?
   You can click the "?" button to see your password hint.
   Or you can use your password reset disk.
   
   Please type your password again.
   Be sure to use the correct uppercase and lowercase letters.
   

    

2. Click use your password reset disk . The Password Reset Wizard starts. The Password Reset Wizard enables you to create a new password for your user account.
   
   
3. Click Next .
   
   
4. Insert the password reset disk into drive A, and then click Next .
   
   
5. Type a new password in the Type a new password box.
   
   
6. Type the same password in the Type the password again to confirm box.
   
   
7. In the Type a new password hint box, type a hint to remind you of your password if you forget the new password.
   
   NOTE : This hint is visible to anyone who attempts to log on to the computer by using your user account.
   
   
8. Click Next , and then click Finish . The Password Reset Wizard quits, and you return to the Windows XP logon screen.
   
   NOTE : The password reset disk is automatically updated with the new password information. You do not have to create a new password reset disk.
   
   
9. Type your new password into the Type your password box, and then click the right-arrow button to log on to the computer.

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