I was surprised to read this KB article from Microsoft, in reference to the procedure to follow if a person forgets their password using Windows XP. The last sentence in bold italics struck me as odd.

” This article describes how to log on to Windows XP if you forget your password or your password expires and you cannot create a new one.

Note If you have not created a password reset disk, and you have also forgotten the password for all user accounts, you cannot log on to your existing Windows installation for security reasons. This information applies to starting Windows XP typically, to safe mode, and to Recovery Console. In this case, you must perform a “clean” installation of Windows XP, re-create all user accounts, and then reinstall all your programs.”

If you have never had the pleasure of a reinstall of Windows, all updated drivers, updated fixes and patches, all of your software, plus all updates for the software, it is a pleasure best to try and avoid. And all because you forgot a password? NONSENSE! If you have plenty of time to kill, try what Microsoft suggests. The last time I did a complete reinstall it took me 12 hours!

Or try this. This is a complete guide on how to reset a password. Linked here. You need to know a little about DOS.

Or you can try a free password recovery software from here.

Or take a look here also.

And also Ultimate Boot CD has a password cracker.

Hope this helps.

[tags]windows, password, forgot, clean installation, reset, microsoft, recovery, ultimate boot[/tags]