Windows XP

[4603pba]

I need help! I have Windows XP Professional version.
My pass word expires today. To change to a new one, I need to enter the old one. What I have written down as my old password is not correct. Is there someway I can retrieve my old password so I can change to a new one?
I think I can still be alright unless I either turn my computer off or have a power outage.
Help please

[m-mmeyer]

Oh hell, I am trying to remember where that is located! Give me a minute and try to find it!

Matt

[jay]

I know on Windows98 I could just search for and delete .pwl (password list) files, and start over. That looks not to be the case with Windows 2000, and I've not played with XP enough to know how it works.

[m-mmeyer]

Ok I figured out what you can do!
If you are set up as an admin then you go into user's and set the password manually. You won't be able to see the old password but you can change it there without the old password.
Or you can set-up a new user and password with admin privileges and abandon this login.
You should also set that stupid password not to expire. Unless you want it to!

If your not an admin then you will have to talk to your admin and have he/she change it manually for you!

Matt

[m-mmeyer]

I forgot something!
You may need to set up a temp login with an admin profile, log in to that. Then reset your other password. Sometimes the reset password tool won't let you if you are logged in to a domain or sometimes just logged in!

Also there are 2 ways to get to the reset password section.
1. Settings, Control panel, User accounts and you will see the reset password button at the bottom. If it is grayed out then you may need to make a dummy profile just for reseting your other account. IT MUST HAVE ADMIN PRIVILEGES!!!!!!!! If not you will be hosed, sord of. Just more work.

2. Start, Run in the run box type "control userpasswords2" that will take you to the same place.

If you need more help let us know! I am not a computer expet but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night!

Matt

[krygny]

Originally posted by 4603pba
I need help! I have Windows XP Professional version.
My pass word expires today. To change to a new one, I need to enter the old one. What I have written down as my old password is not correct. Is there someway I can retrieve my old password so I can change to a new one?
I think I can still be alright unless I either turn my computer off or have a power outage.
Help please

Need to know more. Why is your password expiring? What are the limitations on the account? Is this the built-in Windows Administrator account? User account? What privileges does the account have?

To prevent the password from expiring, try this. It probably has to be done from an account/desktop with administrator privileges.
[list=1][*]Go into the Control Panel.[*]Select Administrator Tools (not User Accounts).[*]Select Computer Management.[*]In the left pane, expand Local Users and Groups and click on the Users folder.[*]In the right pane, double-click on the your user profile.[*]In the user properties dialog, check the box labeled Password never expires, and click OK.[/list=1]

Hopefully, that will prevent your password from expiring today. But you'll still have to figure out how to reset the password.

Other info. There is a built-in Administrator account in all Windows systems. By default, the password is not set. (Real secure, huh?) If the Administrator account is not shown on your log-in screen (or not available from the login pulldown, depending on how your login screen is set up) chances are one or more of your user accounts have administrator privileges. You should be able to do anything (e.g., manage other profiles; reset passwords, etc.) from any account with admin privileges (except for other members of the Administrator group).

Most user accounts should have privileges no higher than Power User (i.e., member of that group). If you have kids who are notorious for downloading and installing wreckware, they should only be members of Users. Ideally, there should be no users who are members of the Administrator group (unless you know what you're doing).

I hope I don't come across as too condescending. I don't know your level of knowledge.

[iivtecracerii]

on WinXP Home, and you forget your password or something and cant get into your account, just boot into Safe Mode. when it loads, it will show the user list and have one account as "Adminitrator." log into that (it doesnt have a password) and just goto control panel / users and remove the password to your account. reboot and log into your account this time. you can make a new password now if you want.

seems XP Home isnt as secure and foolproof as Pro is. i've tried this on Pro to no avail. (dont remember, but it either didnt have "Administrator" or "Administrator" required a password)

[sfhondapilot]

There are a couple hints on how to bypass forgotten passwords.

76 Ways To Get More Out Of Windows, PC World, March 2004

[kemosabe]

Originally posted by sfhondapilot
There are a couple hints on how to bypass forgotten passwords.

76 Ways To Get More Out Of Windows, PC World, March 2004

Excellent link to a great tips article, sfhondapilot!!!

Clicked on the "Printer Friendly Version" and sent it to the laser printer already...

[rfs830]

if you all ever need to get into a computer and do not have the passwork for the admin account you man want to go here


or here is athe direct links for the program

Boot Disk Version

Boot CD Version