Reseting a Lost Windows XP Password

FYI: This post is for reference and your lost passwords only. DO NOT use this technique on someone else's computer unless you have their permission.
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In about the past year, I have had so many people ask me if it is possible to fix a lost password on their computer without erasing all of their information by reformatting. I always give them the same process and figured it would be easier to refer them to a blog post versus retyping it every time I need to explain it.

It is a fairly complicated process so print these instructions before you reboot...

1) Reboot your computer and when the manufacturer's logo comes up (when it is loading the BIOS), press the given key (usually F2, F8, or F12 and says "boot menu" or alike).

***** Here it splits into two sections; I prefer the first one, but if you like to do things the graphical way, go for the second one. *****

ONE:

2) Choose the "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" option

3) Wait for your computer to boot into the safe mode operating system (could take up to 10 minutes).

4) Log into the account: Administrator which by default has not password.

5) You should now have a black window with a flashing cursor. In this window type:
net user yourusernamehere *
Replace yourusernamehere with the username of the account password you would like to change. To get a list of all of the users on your computer, type net user.

** DON'T FORGET THE * IT IS VERY IMPORTANT **

Press Enter

6) It should be asking for a new password. Enter the password you want for your new account, press enter. Then type it again and press enter again.

7) Restart your computer and log into your as you would, but with the new password you just set.

TWO:

2) Choose the "Safe Mode" option and wait for it to load the login screen.

3) Log into the Administrator account which by default has no password.

4) Click Start>Control Panel>User Accounts

5) Click on the account whose password you want to change, and click change password.

6) From here you can probably guess your way through the rest of this window.

7) Restart your computer and log into your account with your new password.

I hope this little tutorial helped you and if you have any questions whatsoever, feel free to contact me at brady.tcwb@yahoo.com.