Lost XP Password

[andyk]

Hi

 

I have been given an XP Pro laptop by a teacher who has lost their login password. The laptop is not on a domain and I need to save the data if I can.

 

I was just wondering if anyone could advise on how I may go about resetting their password on a local machine without actually having any login details for the laptop?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Regards

Andrew

[ragbuster]

Take a look at this link 5 Ways to Crack or Reset a Forgotten Windows XP Administrator Password

[kmount]

Option 2 on ragbuster's link is the one I'd use; quick and easy.

[andyk]

Thats perfect, many thanks for the link. I will take a look at option 2.

 

Would all data etc still be preserved with this?

[kmount]

In theory yes, though I've seen circumstances where people have encrypted files and changing the password has upset this.

 

A 'better' solution might be to boot up using a linux cd or something (or remove the disk and use a caddy) and browse the disk to recover a back up of the files before doing the above.

 

I'd suggest this as a belt and braces.

[Griff]

I use ERD Commander Locksmith or Ultimate Boot disk

[gmonks]

I use ERD works most of the time.

[Arthur]

Would all data etc still be preserved with this?

Try KonBoot instead. It doesn't overwrite the original password so you don't have to worry about losing data.

[gmonks]

Thats perfect, many thanks for the link. I will take a look at option 2.

 

Would all data etc still be preserved with this?

 

ERD just changes the password. Nothing else will be changed or lost.

[itguy22]

Hi,

 

I use Trinkity Rescue Kit, Good password reset tool in there.

[SYNACK]

Offline Windows Password & Registry Editor

[Squip]

+1 for Offline Windows Password & Registry Editor