Kelly said:
If it is complete rubbish Gordon, and you preach about posting correct
answers, where is your answer to the question?
Passwords aren't meant to be broken, that's the point of creating
them. Parallel install to recover data perhaps, then format &
reinstall. Or boot into safe mode as administrator and try to recover
data that way.
Your answer is *also* complete rubbish, as is Gordon's. The
"(e-mail address removed)" is a troll. The responses show a lack of understanding
basic computer security and the way computers work. Regardless of
operating system installed, physical access plus time plus requisite
skill equals access to the computer. End of story.
Now, to answer the OP's question (quoted below for clarity):
"Using Windows XP Home. One user setup with password but the password
has been forgotten. Cannot get all the way into windows to go to
control panel and change user settings. How can I get past the
password?"
Since you have XP Home, boot into Safe Mode by repeatedly tapping the F8
key as the computer is starting. This will get you to the correct menu
to choose Safe Mode. Now you will be able to access the normally hidden
Administrator account. Login to this account - the default password is
a blank. Once in, you will be able to go to the User Accounts applet in
Control Panel and change the password for your regular account to
something you will remember.
If you need more help, please post back as there are other ways to get
into the computer also. But let's start with the easiest way first.
Malke