Windows password - lost

[madmax]

My granddaughter was visiting and used my desktop computer. Now I can't get into it because this page I've never seen before wants a password. Hell, I've had that machine for 4 years and have never used a password.

Is there a way to get into it without a sledgehammer? Oooo I'm pissed.

I'm using XP

[Why Syzygy]

1. Hi, madmax

:hi:

Is it asking for a password for a "Guest" or "Administrator"? If Administrator, I found this:

If you can't recover your password using the password hint feature, or have never made a password reset disk, there is still hope for recovering your password. One of the strategies that have been proven to work only requires you to have your Windows operating system installation disk on hand.
Here are step by step instructions on recovering your password with a Windows installation Disk.
Insert your Windows operating system CD into your CD drive and start your computer. Make sure that the Drive you selected is the bootable drive.

Usually your computer will state on the screen that it will now boot from the CD or that you will have to press a specific key to boot from the CD. Select the key to boot from the CD.
Now that the computer is booting from the CD, you will see an initial set up screen that says the computer is loading files
After the computer loads some files, a welcome screen will pop up, follow the prompts and press enter to set up Windows.

The next prompt will be the licensing agreement; press accept.
Once you have accepted the licensing agreement, a set up screen will popup that will give you the option to do a repair. Select the repair option.
The repair option should start running immediately and might take a few minutes to check your disks, files, etc.

Once the computer has copied files and scanned your computer it will ask you to reboot your computer or it will automatically reboot your computer. You might see a message that your computer will reboot in 10 seconds.
When the computer reboots, do not press any keys. The computer will automatically reboot and you will see the Windows screen and you will see the message Installing Windows.
It is important to keep your eyes on the lower left corner of the screen. You will see a message pop up. It will state "Installing Devices". When you see this progress bar, immediately press "Shift + F10"

When you press Shift + F10 a command console will pop up giving you access to many system functions.
At the prompt enter the following: NUSRMGR.CPL and press enter. This input will give you access to your graphical access of your user accounts in your control panel.
Since you have forgotten your password, you can choose the account that you need to change or remove the password from. If you want to remove your password so that you no longer have to enter it when logging in, you can enter the following at the command prompt: "control userpasswords2". Once you have made the changes, close the window and close the command console. You can now continue with the repair.

Your computer will continue with the repair and ask you for your product ID, enter your product ID. Once your operating system starts up, you will be able to access all your user account with either the new password you created or no password at all. It is important to note that this strategy does not damage any of your files or settings. All of your files and settings should be intact.

http://www.tech-faq.com/lost-windows-password.shtml

[madmax]

2. You are a GIFT

:hi:

You're like my Guardian Angel. :hug:

I have the original disk :bounce: With your step by step directions, I can calm down. First, going to grab a cup of Tea and a brownie, I need my strength :rofl:

I'll let you know how it works out. I feel so much better knowing that maybe something will work. Hate to pay the tech 190 bucks to fix that :grr: I'm technologically challenged, but seems anytime someone else uses my computer I'm guaranteed to have some sort of problem or virus.

Thanks so much dear friend. :hug: :loveya:

btw... doing super good here ;)

[Why Syzygy]

3. There's another method to try..

if that doesn't work out. That one is the best, imo.

I learn as much here as I already know every day! Win/Win.

Really nice to see ya! :hug:

[Duer 157099]

4. Here's another option

if you can do the above procedure, by all means go that route.

But for more difficult situations, I've found this tool to be an absolute lifesaver:

http://home.eunet.no/pnordahl/ntpasswd/bootdisk.html

Just posting for reference. It's worth taking the time to make the boot disk. And it's free! But you sort of need to feel comfortable with doing the procedures it talks about.