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 doesn't require
using the Recovery Console or any complicated commands. And it's 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. See here
http://www.winternals.com/products/repairandrecovery/locksmith.asp
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. Here's how with a
step-by-step description of the initial Repair process included for
newbie's.
1. Place your Windows XP CD in your cd-rom and start your computer
(it's 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.
