How do I unlock a computer if I forgot my Password?

[BFV Server Fund]

BFV Server Fund

June Goal: $41.00
Due Date: Jun 30
Total Receipts: $0.00

 0%

[rip|CoyotezEye]

So a buddy of mine had one of his kids change his user account log in password on his computer. Now they cant log in. I did a quick search and found 2 ways to fix this. But thought I would check with all you guys & see if there was a better way.

1. Start system and when you see Windows Welcome screen / Login screen,
press ctrl+alt+del keys twice and it'll show Classic Login box. Now
type \Administrator\ (without quotes) in Username and leave Password
field blank. Now press Enter and you sh...ould be able to log in Windows.

Now you can reset your account password from \Control Panel - User Accounts\.


2. Reboot Windows XP in safe mode by re-starting the computer and pressing F8 repeated as the computer starts up. Then (in safe mode) click Start and then click Run. In the open box type control userpasswords2 without the quotes.
You will now have access to all the user accounts, including the administrators account and will be able to reset the lost password.

Just click the administrators user account, and then click Reset Password.
You will need to add a new password in the New password and the Confirm new password boxes, and confirm by clicking OK.

[rip|buzinator]

Both methods will still require authentication, they will always have to log in as some user ... you have to know the 'administrator' account's password...which perhaps they do, in which case, all good.

I think there is a way to basically hack the system to reveal the password needed ... I forget the details but I think Kevin Rose outlined the method on an early episode of The Broken ... if that site still exists.

[rip|CoyotezEye]

Is there a default administrator password. I doubt my friend changed his. Or is it just blank?

[rip|buzinator]

It could be blank ... or something simple like "password" or "administrator" ... but it's something that is set during windows installation....try it and see.

Is their PC of any particular brand? Perhaps google could reveal the default administrator pw for Dells or HPs etc?

[rip|CoyotezEye]

Thanks for the help Buz
I will tell my buddy.

[rip|MightyMax]

The best way i have found is through a Linux boot CD.   There are several "password recovery disk images" out there that have a boot sequence scripted to a utility that will reset the admin password to blank.  Reboot normally and log in without a password.   Of course add one right away that you will remember.   :-)


And yes Buz depending on the OS load of the system there may be a "back door" with the admin account depending on how they handled the first boot of the system. 

[rip|buzinator]

nice

[rip|mrkavanagh]

just a word of advice to your friend and anyone that reads this with kids

setup separate accounts for your kids to use to avoid this in the future. Its what I have done. My son has his own account he signs into with no access to the control panel, well he can adjust display, sound, and keyboard. that's all