We have seen how to recover lost or forgotten Windows passwords using Windows built-in tools like Password Hint and the Reset Disk or with other free password recovery tools. We have also seen how to reset your Windows password, if your computer is on a domain or if it is a workgroup. Today we will see, how to use another tool to reset your Password. I have been using a freeware utility called Offline NT Password & Registry Editor to reset a user’s password to give them access to their account. As long as the computer can be booted from either CD or USB, this small utility is priceless. All instances where I have verified that the computer indeed belonged to the user who had forgotten his password and had notified someone and let them know before hand. I would never recommend using this on someone’s computer without their knowledge, EVER!
Windows Password Recovery
Setup and use the Offline Password & Registry Editor to Reset your Password
Windows operating system stores its user information, including the encrypted versions of the passwords, in a file called sam, usually found in \windows\system32\config folder. This file is a part of the registry, in a binary format once undocumented, and not easily accessible. The Offline Password & Registry Editor can help you here.
How to set up Offline Password & Registry Editor:
Read: What to do if I forgot my computer password?
How to use the Offline Password & Registry Editor:
NOTE: I have had a few instances where it didn’t work on the first go and had to run through the process a couple of times but always with success. As this edits the SAM file, you should always take caution before trying this method. The process is fairly quick, only taking a few minutes and once you see it running, it is fairly easy to understand for most users. Do note that if your computer is connected to a Domain, you will not be able to create a Password Reset Disk\USB. You will have to contact your Administrator to reset your password. Read: Windows Password Recovery review.
Windows Password Reset Disk
To protect yourself from locking yourself out of your user account if you have forgotten your password. Windows includes a very handy feature to help get you back into your account using a Password Reset Disk\USB. To create a Password Reset Disk\USB:
Insert the Disk or USB device into your computer.Navigate to Start Menu\Control Panel\User Accounts and on the left select, Create a Password Reset Disk.This will open the Forgotten Password Wizard which will walk you through creating a Password Reset Disk\USB.
Go here to see a detailed tutorial on how to create a password reset disk using Flash drive.
Use the Password Reset Disk\USB to recover your password:
Start Windows up normally.Insert your Disk\USB Device once you reach the Logon Screen.Select the Reset Password Option which will walk you through resetting your password. If the option to Reset Password is not shown hit your Enter Key or select the Enter Button to display the Password Reset Option.
If your computer is connected to a Domain, you will not be able to create a Password Reset Disk\USB. You will have to contact your Administrator to reset your password. Also, see how you can reset the Administrator password in Windows using Sticky Keys. If you are looking for a paid software to reset forgotten Windows passwords, read our Windows Password Key review.
