Forgot System Password...need to reinstall XP

  • Thread starter Thread starter David
  • Start date Start date
D

David

hi, after a long lay off on my computer, i am having
trouble remembering my password to log on to my
computer "yes i know that's silly"...i am not terribly
concerned about saving any data, as the important files
are periodically backed up...i would simply like to know
if there is a way to reinstall windows, or to reformat the
harddrive and basically start over...thanks
 
-----Original Message-----
hi, after a long lay off on my computer, i am having
trouble remembering my password to log on to my
computer "yes i know that's silly"...i am not terribly
concerned about saving any data, as the important files
are periodically backed up...i would simply like to know
if there is a way to reinstall windows, or to reformat the
harddrive and basically start over...thanks
.
Hello, before you take the route of reinstalling windows
Click to expand...
have you tried to log on in safe mode and log on as
administrator and delete your profile and create a new
one ..??
if you turn the machine on and keep tapping the F8 key it
will bring you to a prompt screen where you select "safe
mode" Then log on as admistrator which shouldn't have a
password then you can re create your profile
all the best
keef ...
 
David;
Try leaving the password blank.
The password is Case Sensitive.
Check Caps Lock and try various of Capital combinations.
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.
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.
After this is resolved, take precautions to not lose the password.

Clean Installation:
Disconnect all peripherals (camera, printer, scanner, etc)
Disconnect network/modem cable.
Go to BIOS and set CDROM as boot device before hard drive.
Insert Windows XP CD and reboot.
At "Press any key to boot to CDROM" quickly press a key and follow the
prompts for a Clean installation:
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp
Delete all partitions in step 5 if you desire to erase all data on the
hard drive.
Partitioning and formatting will be done automatically.
All data will be destroyed, back-up important data first.
Enable or install firewall BEFORE connecting network cable.
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=283673
Install ALL Critical Windows Updates:
Start/All Programs/Windows Update
After you are finished, you will need to load the appropriate drivers.
If your computer was shipped with Windows XP, these procedures may or
may not apply.
Check your manual or contact the computer manufacturer for more
details.
 
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