Vista Password reset -- how do I do it?

Discussion in 'Software' started by MTHall51, Jun 13, 2009.

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  1. MTHall51

    MTHall51 Specialist

    I am totally possitive I know my password, but Vista says no both as admin as a regular user. Driving me crazy. When I choose the option to reset it says to put in the disk with the password on it, but I don't have one.
    How can I do this? Or is there a way to make it so no password is needed at all>
     
  2. dlb

    dlb MajorGeek

    The disk it is asking for is a 'password reset disk' that you would have created ahead of time just in case this type of scenario occurs; if you never went through the steps to create this disc, you won't have it.... however.... you're not dead in the water. Here's some links that should help:
    http://home.eunet.no/pnordahl/ntpasswd/ (yeah, it says Win2000 and XP, but it works with Vista, I've done it - freeware)
    http://www.livecd.com/ (a free demo is available but I don't know if the password feature is 'unlocked' in the free version)

    Either download will require you to burn a CD from an ISO image file. These are NOT burned the same as a regular data CD, they MUST be burned as images. Most (if not all) CD/DVD burning programs support burning from ISO image files. If you need more info on successfully burning ISO image CDs, just ask! ;)

    [dlb]

    (the first link has full instructions on how to reset the password using the boot disc; the 2nd link is more self-explanatory but may not be free)
     
  3. MTHall51

    MTHall51 Specialist

    Thanks very much. I think I may need a little more info, but wil try it first.
    Have never used an ISO Image file.
     
  4. DavidGP

    DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

    Hi MT


    ISO images are pretty easy to use, I tend to use IMGBURN to burn these to CD/DVD as its a pretty simple app to do this in making ISOs usable.
     
  5. greasemonkey

    greasemonkey Private First Class

    You could also try ophcrack? I've had good results with retrieving forgotten admin passwords using this... has yet to fail me.

    http://ophcrack.sourceforge.net/
     
  6. MTHall51

    MTHall51 Specialist

    Thanks. This is the first time I think I have heard of this. Will try it.
     
  7. greasemonkey

    greasemonkey Private First Class

    Cool, let me know how you get on

    good luck
     
  8. MTHall51

    MTHall51 Specialist

    I downloaded it but can't find the app under all programs.
     
  9. greasemonkey

    greasemonkey Private First Class

    Ah, whoops, my bad, I should have explained further.

    You'd be best to download the liveCD version for vista rather than the installer, it will be an .iso file, so you'll need to burn it as Halo & dlb said above

    just pop it in the CD drive, set the BIOS to boot from CD and let it do its work.
     
    Last edited: Jun 14, 2009
  10. MTHall51

    MTHall51 Specialist

    Thank you. I will try that. Have to run soon, but I do want this settled.
    I am seriously wondering how on Earth it is even possible for me to have forgotten my password. Believe me, it is one that I am positive could not be forgotten especially since I just set it last week as System Admin on my home computer.
     
  11. greasemonkey

    greasemonkey Private First Class

    Theres a good FAQ here about using the liveCD, I'd be interested to know how it goes for you as it has worked for me on weak passwords. If you've used good security practice and set a 'strong' password it may not have much luck.

    Having read a bit more into the first link dlb posted, it might be a better bet, smaller download etc, but, you will lose any encrypted files in the process, so beware

    I'm going to give that a try next time I'm faced with the same problem...
     
  12. MTHall51

    MTHall51 Specialist

    Thanks.
    What I am still mystified about is why the password is not recognized since I entered it for the first time last week. It is something I could not forget.
     
  13. plodr

    plodr Major Geek Super Extraordinaire

    Check to be sure the keyboard has the same settings (num lock, caps lock, scroll lock) when you enter the password and when it is reset. The cap lock being on or off would be enough to not have a password recognized.
     
  14. MTHall51

    MTHall51 Specialist

    \
    Thank you. Good ideas.
     
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