Can't Log On to Windows XP?
If that's your only problem, then you probably have nothing to
worry about. As long as you have your Windows XP CD, you can get
back into your system using a simple but effective method made
possible by a little known access hole in Windows XP.
This method is easy enough for newbies to follow it doesnt
require using the Recovery Console or any complicated commands. And
its free - I mention that because you can pay two hundred dollars
for an emergency download of Winternals ERD with Locksmith which is
a utility for unlocking lost Windows passwords.
ERD is an excellent multi purpose product, but you should know
it is not a necessary one if you have a healthy system and your
sole problem is the inability to logon to Windows due to a
forgotten password. Not necessary because you can easily change or
wipe out your Administrator password for free during a Windows XP
Repair. Heres how with a step-by-step description of the initial
Repair process included for newbies.
1. Place your Windows XP CD in your CD-ROM and start your
computer (its assumed here that your XP CD is bootable as it should
be - and that you have your bios set to boot from CD)
2. Keep your eye on the screen messages for booting to your CD
Typically, it will be Press any key to boot from CD
3. Once you get in, the first screen will indicate that Setup is
inspecting your system and loading files.
4. When you get to the Welcome to Setup screen, press ENTER to
Setup Windows now
5. The Licensing Agreement comes next - Press F8 to accept
it.
6. The next screen is the Setup screen which gives you the
option to do a Repair.
It should read something like If one of the following Windows XP
installations is damaged, Setup can try to repair it
Use the up and down arrow keys to select your XP installation
(if you only have one, it should already be selected) and press R
to begin the Repair process.
7. Let the Repair run. Setup will now check your disks and then
start copying files which can take several minutes.
8. Shortly after the Copying Files stage, you will be required
to reboot. (this will happen automatically you will see a progress
bar stating Your computer will reboot in 15 seconds
9. During the reboot, do not make the mistake of pressing any
key to boot from the CD again! Setup will resume automatically with
the standard billboard screens and you will notice Installing
Windows is highlighted.
10. Keep your eye on the lower left hand side of the screen and
when you see the Installing Devices progress bar, press SHIFT +
F10. This is the security hole! A command console will now open up
giving you the potential for wide access to your system.
11. At the prompt, type NUSRMGR.CPL and press Enter. Voila! You
have just gained graphical access to your User Accounts in the
Control Panel.
12. Now simply pick the account you need to change and remove or
change your password as you prefer. If you want to log on without
having to enter your new password, you can type control
userpasswords2 at the prompt and choose to log on without being
asked for password. After you've made your changes close the
windows, exit the command box and continue on with the Repair (have
your Product key handy).
13. Once the Repair is done, you will be able to log on with
your new password (or without a password if you chose not to use
one or if you chose not to be asked for a password). Your programs
and personalized settings should remain intact.
I tested the above on Windows XP Pro with and without SP1 and
also used this method in a real situation where someone could not
remember their password and it worked like a charm to fix the
problem. This security hole allows access to more than just user
accounts. You can also access the Registry and Policy Editor, for
example. And its gui access with mouse control. Of course, a
Product Key will be needed to continue with the Repair after making
the changes, but for anyone intent on gaining access to your
system, this would be no problem.
And in case you are wondering, NO, you cannot cancel install
after making the changes and expect to logon with your new
password.
Cancelling will just result in Setup resuming at bootup and your
changes will be lost.
Ok, now that your logon problem is fixed, you should make a
point to prevent it from ever happening again by creating a
Password Reset Disk. This is a floppy disk you can use in the event
you ever forget your log on password. It allows you to set a new
password.
Here's how to create one if your computer is NOT on a
domain:
* Go to the Control Panel and open up User Accounts.
* Choose your account (under Pick An Account to Change) and
under Related Tasks, click "Prevent a forgotten password".
* This will initiate a wizard.
* Click Next and then insert a blank formatted floppy disk into
your A: drive.
* Click Next and enter your logon password in the password
box.
* Click Next to begin the creation of your Password disk.
* Once completed, label and save the disk to a safe place
How to Log on to your PC Using Your Password Reset Disk
Start your computer and at the logon screen, click your user
name and leave the password box blank or just type in anything.
This will bring up a Logon Failure box and you will then see the
option to use your Password Reset disk to create a new password.
Click it which will initiate the Password Reset wizard. Insert your
password reset disk into your floppy drive and follow the wizard
which will let you choose a new password to use for your
account.
Note: If your computer is part of a domain, the procedure for
creating a password disk is different.