lost password windows 7

Hi Kes,

They were the sole Administrator, yes? No encryption used?

I've not had occasion to try these tools on W7 yet, they worked fine on previous versions.

I could probably test one or two out on my netbook but I'd need some time to create a bootable USB stick.

 

Could this be another cae of the user not realising that passwords are case sensitive?

 

But some people only have the built-in Administrative account, see #25 in the thread (the reply to which doesn't seem to take that into account).

So, for an Administrative-only account, you'd need to modify some of the steps from #9 onwards, missing out some parts entirely.

 

As far as Retail versions of W7 are concerned, that's probably correct. However, OEMs have always been cut a lot of slack by MS in the way that they configure and clone their products (the poster linked to has a Toshiba).

I also suspect that many customisers will be able to bypass this as they attempt to squeeze W7 onto an 8GB flash drive (like me) by using Vlite etc.

 

This worked for me on a Vista machine that the owner (who I know) had forgotten his.
Booted into Safe Mode.
Went to User Accounts and created a new Admin account.
Then went to Change account.
Selected his and hit Remove password.
OKed my way out, changed users and BANG., he was able to access his data.

(Did password protect the new one I created for emergency repair access for myself.)

 

Under such circumstances, you may need the help of other software. There are some free softwares can settle the problem such as Ophcrack, Offline NT Password & Registry Editor, Cain & Abel v4.9.31. However, when you operate these softwares, the disadvantages are obvious. You may lose your patience if you experience them.
If you want to reset your password easily and timely , some softwares with high capability price can help you. For example, Windows Password Recovery Tool 3.0, Windows Password Key, Password Recovery Bundle, etc...

 

Kestrel13!,

I've read all the comments and advice given and can say that all is applicable in given circumstances. My best experiences have been with the Offline NT Password changer in the past. Ophcrack, I've never had any luck with! Please check this one out as I found it a month ago and have used it twice with great results, http://www.darknet.org.uk/2009/06/kon-boot-reset-windows-linux-passwords/. This CD allows you to bypass the user password at boot ( writes to the Windows kernel on the fly during bootup ) and allows you to boot a computer without knowing the password. May or may not help, but thought that I'd give it a shot!

 

Looking for something similar about windows 7 and passwords, and scary to find even password protecting your windows 7 can be hacked so easily. 7 doesn't provide for a hard drive password, something called BitLocker is available but no real way to know if it is working. I'm trying to create a password reset disk, and when it asks for the disk, I load a formatted one in, and it says " insert the password reset disk". Well, duh, it hasn't been CREATED yet! I'm wondering if you could use someone elses password reset disk to open yours up so you could put in a new password? I have rediculous passwords and if I can't make a reset disk my new 7 will have a new hard drive and just hope I can load the original disks onto it. I read something about taking out the CMOS battery in addition to unplugging it, to reset passwords...