How do I reset Windows XP Password?

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This guide is provided for informational purposes only. If you choose to use this guide for anything more than information, you do so "At Your Own Risk".

  • If you have lost or forgotten your Windows XP Password the procedure below may help you reset it.
  • This procedure is not too difficult and most users with a basic understanding of computers should be able to complete it.
  • As always, if you decide to attempt this password recovery procedure it is at your own risk.
  • You will need a Bootable Windows XP CD to complete this procedure, ideally it should be the same disk used to install the OS.

Resetting the Admin Password

  • One of the easiest ways to reset your admin password is during a Windows XP Repair
  1. Put the Windows XP disk in your drive and power up your computer
  2. Watch for the Press any key to boot from cd and press a key when you see it
  3. Wait for the XP installer to boot up and when prompted press ENTER to start the Windows setup
  4. Press F8 to accept the licensing agreement. (Your software should always be genuine and legally purchased.)
  5. On the setup screen you should see the next screen is the Setup screen which gives you the option to do a Repair.
  6. Select the XP OS and press R to begin to repair it.(If you have more than 1 OS installed be certain you select the correct one. DO NOT GUESS IF YOU ARE UNSURE
  7. Allow the repair to complete, a reboot is required and should happen automatically
  8. Do not hit a key when the "press any key to boot from CD" is seen this time
  9. Watch the lower left hand side of your screen, when you see a Installing Devices progress bar press SHIFT + F10
  10. A console should now be open
  11. Type in the command below and press Enter 
NUSRMGR.CPL
  1. You should now see the GUI window for User Accounts
  2. Select the user account desired and change its password.
  3. Once the password is changed close the GUI Window
  4. Type in the command below to exit the console 
exit
  1. Complete the Windows repair (You will have to re-enter your product key)
    1. Do not cancel the repair or your changes will be lost
  2. When the Repair has finished you should be able to log in with the new password
  3. Your user profile and installed applications should not be impacted by this.

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