The computer helper: Forgotten Windows XP passwords

Tech Features

By Jay Dougherty Jan 29, 2006, 20:20 GMT

Washington - Passwords are a fact of life for computer users these days. Many Windows XP users, in fact, start their day by typing a password to get into the operating system. So what happens when you forget that password? And how can you prevent being locked out of your XP computer because of a forgotten password? Read on for some answers. Q: I went on vacation for two weeks, and now I've forgotten the administrator password that I created for my computer. Windows XP won't let me in. How can I get around the password prompt? A: This is a tough problem, and it should be - passwords are there to make sure that it's not easy to get into a system that's password- protected. First, think of easy solutions: Is there another user account with which you can use to log onto the computer? Can you brainstorm to try to remember your password? If you have no luck with simple solutions, there is a little-known security workaround for Windows XP that you can employ. You must have your original Windows installation CD, which is bootable, as well as your product key, to employ this method. Put the CD into your computer's CD-ROM drive. Make sure that your computer can boot from the CD. Most computers these days can and will by default, if a bootable CD-ROM is detected in the CD drive upon startup. Start your computer, and wait for the message that indicates that Setup is inspecting your system and loading files. You'll see a Welcome screen. Press Enter when directed. Accept the following license agreement by pressing F8. The next screen, Setup, gives you the option to perform a Repair. Press R to begin the repair process. Let the repair process run its course. When it is finished, your computer will reboot. Remove the CD from your disk drive when your computer is rebooting. If you leave the disk in the computer, be sure not to press a key on your keyboard when the Windows installation CD prompts you to start the setup routine. Windows will continue the repair process. During this time, watch the lower left-hand corner of your monitor. When you see an Installing Devices progress bar, press Shift-F10 - hold down the Shift key on your keyboard and tap the F10 key. Doing so will open up a command prompt. Type NUSRMGR.CPL, and press Enter. You'll now have access to the User Accounts section of the Windows XP control panel. From this point, you can select the relevant account and either remove the password or change it. When you're finished, close the window and exit the command box. Allow the repair process to finish normally. When complete, you should be able to log on to Windows using your new password. The other alternative is to completely reinstall Windows. Doing so will allow you to specify a new password or no password at all. Unfortunately, this also means that you'll have to start over with configuring your operating system and applications. Q: How can I prevent forgetting my Windows XP password in the future? A: Windows XP offer something akin to a 'rescue disk' for forgotten passwords. You do have to create the disk before forgetting your password, however, so it's a good idea to do it now, while you're thinking about it. Click the Windows XP Start menu, and then click Control Panel. In the Control Panel under Pick a Category, click User Accounts. In the User Accounts dialog box, select Related Tasks, and then click Prevent a Forgotten Password. Windows XP will start the Forgotten Password Wizard. Follow the Wizard to completion. You'll need one floppy disk. Store the floppy disk somewhere safe, and use it in the event the you forget your password in the future. - Have a computer question? Send it to the Computer Helper at jd@techtodayonline.com. © 2006 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur

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coogaahJan 7th, 2008 - 20:18:08

My 11 year old son forgot his password and I am aving geat difficulty helping him get into his computer. I have read your answer to forgotten passwords and it appears very helpful, I will get started on it as soon as I find the discs required !

I have checked in the manual of my computer for a remedy to this problem. I have a different computer to my son, my son's is a Fujitsu-Siemens; mine is a Dell. In the manual to my computer it says you can remove the jumper PSWD cable on the system board. Would you also recomend this option. If so do you know where I can get a copy of a Fujitsu Siemens technical manual (not operating manual) so that I can recognise the PSWD within my sons computer (Or will it be labelled?).

In my manual it states you can disconnect all power and turn off and disconnect any attached devices; thenopen the computer cover, locate and disconnect the PSWD and remove it from its socket. Then, replace cover, and switch on computer, this process erases the password. Then, switch of computer disconnect from electric supply, then open up computer cover, rconnect PSWD cable. Then replace cover, reconnect power and attachments.......computer is now ready to use. WOW! thats easy...!!!

If you can help it would be appreciated.

Regards
Charles

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