How to retrieve password?

  • Thread starter Thread starter JJ
  • Start date Start date
J

JJ

I recently changed my password that I use to log into my
computer. I am the lone user and administrator of that
PC. When I tried to log on tonight, I realized that I
had forgotten that password and have no clue what it is.
Is there a way to retrieve my password? Somehow?
Someway? I know I can have someone save my files for $60
and do a system restore on my computer, but I would
really like to avoid that. Any help you can offer would
be greatly appreciated. Thanks,

Jon
 
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=290260
EFS, Credentials, and Private Keys from Certificates Are Unavailable After a
Password Is Reset

Windows Home XP
1. As windows is loading up press F8 repeatedly until the Windows advanced
screen comes up.
2. Select safe mode (the version of windows you want to use click XP wait
until it loads the welcome screen.
3. Select Administrator and it will log you on as administrator without a
password (provided a password was not created in this hidden account during
setup).
4. Go to Start - Control Panel - User Accounts.
5. Select your name and click change the password.
Then you should be able to change the password, shut down the computer and
restart in normal mode and use the new password you just created.

****

If you have XP Pro on your computer:-
1. At the log in screen type " ctrl-alt-delete " twice.
2. In the User Account, type Administrator
3. Leave the password blank and press enter.
(Most likely a password wasn't created in this hidden account during setup).

If you decide to set a password it is recommended that you create a
Password Reset Disk by clicking on "Prevent a Forgotten Password" link in
the left pane. The Wizard will guide you through.

http://www2.cajun.net/~theriots/xpsitefolder/win_xp_passwords.htm
Administrator and User Passwords in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;321305
How to Log On to Windows XP If You Forget Your Password or Your Password
Expires
 
Back
Top