Create Password Reset Disk to Reset XP Password

Make a "password reset disk" to reset your windows xp password whenever you forget your password.This is a floppy disk you can use in the event you ever forget your log on password. It allows you to set a new password.

Here's how to create one if your computer is NOT on a domain:

• Go to the Control Panel and open up User Accounts.
• Choose your account (under Pick An Account to Change) and under Related Tasks, click "Prevent a forgotten password".
• This will initiate a wizard.
• Click Next and then insert a blank formatted floppy disk into your A: drive.
• Click Next and enter your logon password in the password box.
• Click Next to begin the creation of your Password disk.
• Once completed, label and save the disk to a safe place

Here's how to create one if your computer is on a domain.

• Press CTRL+ALT+DELETE. The Windows Security dialog box appears.
• Click Change Password. The Change Password dialog box appears.
• In the Log on to box, click the local computer--for example, click Computer (this computer).
• Click Backup. The Forgotten Password Wizard starts.
• On the Welcome to the Forgotten Password Wizard page, click Next.
• Insert a blank, formatted disk in drive A, and then click Next.
• In the Current user account password box, type your password, and then click Next. The Forgotten Password Wizard creates the disk.
• When the progress bar reaches 100 percent complete, click Next, and then click Finish. The Forgotten Password Wizard quits and you return to the Change Password dialog box.
• Remove and then label the password reset disk. Store the disk in a safe place.
• In the Change Password dialog box, click Cancel.
• In the Windows Security dialog box, click Cancel.

How to use a password reset disk

1. In the Welcome to Windows dialog box, press CTRL+ALT+DELETE.

2. In the Log On to Windows dialog box, type an incorrect password in the Password box, and then click OK.

3. In the Logon Failed dialog box that appears, click Reset. The Password Reset Wizard starts. You can use the Password Reset Wizard to create a new password for your local user account.

4. On the Welcome to the Password Reset Wizard page, click Next.

5. Insert the password reset disk in drive A, and then click Next

6. On the Reset the User Account Password page, type a new password in the Type a new password box.

7. Type the same password in the Type the password again to confirm box.

8. In the Type a new password hint box, type a hint that will help you remember the password if you forget it.

9. Click Next, and then click Finish. The Password Reset Wizard quits and you return to the Log On to Windows dialog box. The password reset disk is automatically updated with the new password information. You do not have to create a new password reset disk.

10. In the Log On to Windows dialog box, type your new password in the Password box.

11. In the Log on to box, click the local computer--for example, click Computer (this computer), and then click OK.

Note This hint is visible to anyone who tries to log on to the computer by using your user account.