Learn How to Reset Admin Password on Windows XP

Sooner or later, everyone comes across an instance that requires them to reset the log in password for their computer. Sometimes it is because they purchased a second-hand computer and were not given the password, while other times they are resorting back to an old computer they haven’t used in a long time and have forgotten Windows password. If it is a standard user password, it is easy enough to log in as the administrator to change it, but changing the administrator password requires a little more technical aptitude. Fortunately, Windows XP allows these passwords to be reset so that you can regain control of your computer. Here’s how to reset Windows password on XP.

Tip 1:  Reset XP password through User Management

This will only work if you have Windows XP Professional, and you can login with an account. Right click on My Computer and select Manage. Then select Local User and Groups ““> Users. Right click on your username and select Set Password. Follow the prompts and set yourself a new password.

Tip 2: Reset the Password through Safe Mode & Command Prompt

If the above steps have failed so far, you can try and boot into Safe Mode. To do this, press F8 while your computer is booting. Once in safe mode, you can try going into the control panel and reset your password. If you can’t, you can try and open up a Command Prompt by opening Run and typing cmd. Your password should now be changed.

Tip 3: Use a Live Bootable CD

If you are at this stage, and haven’t so far managed to get into your computer, you may want to use a Live Bootable CD.

Alternatively, you can use the Live CD so you can boot into your computer and access the files so you can back them up on an external hard drive or USB stick. If you can’t get into Windows, this is your only option.

Tip 4: Windows Password Recovery Tool

Most of Windows users can not reset Windows XP admin password because there is no password reset disk in hand or they are the only account on the Windows XP. Thus, before reinstalling their PC, it is a good advice to reset Windows XP password on admin account with a third party software, like Windows Password Unlocker, which is especially designed to reset Windows password on user and admin account for Windows 7/XP/Vista/2000 and  Windows Server 2003/2008.