forgot windows XP password....

[oceans_end]

forgot both the user and admin passwords.... is there a way to reset the system? or do i have to reinstall/format windows?>

[Oversized Rooster]

Format. Next time use the Windows feature that prevents your condition. It makes a bootable floppy which somehow does reset stuff.

Alas, through our mistakes, we learn. I had that happen twice back when I was using Win2K.

Actually wait. Don't format. Stick in another HD, do a fresh install of Windows there, and you'll see your files on the "dead" Windows installation.

[temporalillusion]

Or use the Ultimate Boot CD and use it to reset your admin password.

EDIT: Or this: http://home.eunet.no/~pnordahl/ntpasswd/

[Renton]

Format.
Dude, if you don't know what you are talking about then don't say anything... format...
You can make a CD using this ISO image and it'll recover the password for you:
http://home.eunet.no/~pnordahl/ntpasswd/bd050303.zip

[Oversized Rooster]

Dude, if you don't know what you are talking about then don't say anything... format...
You can make a CD using this ISO image and it'll recover the password for you:
http://home.eunet.no/~pnordahl/ntpasswd/bd050303.zip

I know well enough what I'm talking about "dude." Swallow the ego, or at least keep it to yourself. Formatting is a sound solution which would work. Maybe not the best, but guaranteed to work.

You obviously didn't care to read my second idea I see. Anyway, I'm not gonna waste any more time on this, OK "dude?"

[that_staples_guy]

Arrggh, stupidness.

Restart in Safe Mode

Login as Administrator (no pw needed)

Go to control panel and reset user account in there

Jeeez.

[ji2o0k]

Format. Next time use the Windows feature that prevents your condition. It makes a bootable floppy which somehow does reset stuff.

Actually wait. Don't format. Stick in another HD, do a fresh install of Windows there, and you'll see your files on the "dead" Windows installation.


You can make a CD using this ISO image and it'll recover the password for you:
http://home.eunet.no/~pnordahl/ntpasswd/bd050303.zip

actually Renton's link is really good. But you should have just pointed him to the main page as well. You create a bootable floppy and from there you type in one line command to reset the password. Essentially does what Rooster's method does but faster.

Here is the link to the bootable floppy mainpage.
http://home.eunet.no/~pnordahl/ntpasswd/

Very simple to use. The program creates a Linux shell and from there you type in one command and can reset the password. I have used this a couple of times and really, it is very easy to use. Probably all of 5 minutes.

[rshorser]

Arrggh, stupidness.

Restart in Safe Mode

Login as Administrator (no pw needed)

Go to control panel and reset user account in there

Jeeez.

That only works in XP Home. In pro, ur required to enter a pass for admin during setup. The OP didnt mention whether it's pro or home, but he did say that he forgot the admin pass. that means that your method wouldnt work then even on home. the only solutions are to use one of the boot disks floating around the net that reset the pass or reinstall. u can use the linux disks, or the one mentioned in the link above, or go to http://www.experts-exchange.com/Operating_Systems/WinXP/Q_20348448.html , scroll to the lower part of the page, and read the thread. many different programs there that will do it too.

[Canucklehead]

Little proggy called Passware Password Recovery Kit (http://www.lostpassword.com/kit.htm) should do the trick I would think!

[MrDisco]

you guys are jokes. format the drive???? that's like taking a hammer to a problem when a paper clip would do.

Just get a password reset program and you're back in 5 min later. try this page if the above links are not to your liking

http://www.petri.co.il/forgot_administrator_password.htm

[Renton]

you guys are jokes. format the drive???? that's like taking a hammer to a problem when a paper clip would do.

That was my point exactly. I hate when people give "advice" like that. Good thing no one suggested a low lever format or something to the poor guy. Or better yet, you could get a new computer, it comes with a new Windows password. :mad: