How to Use Windows XP’s Password Reset Disk

Because today’s passwords are more complex; if you forget your password you can use the Forgotten Password Reset Wizard to gain access to your computer. 

 

Computers not on a Domain (Average Windows XP Users) 

STEP ONE: Create the Password Rest Disk

1. From the Control Panel, select User Accounts
2. Select the User Account you wish to use (or you may only see one user “yourself”)
3. Under Related Tasks, click <Prevent a forgotten password> (starting the Forgotten Password Wizard)
4. From the Welcome to the Forgotten Password Wizard screen, click <Next>
5. Insert a blank formatted disk, click <Next>
6. Type the password, click <Next>
7. After the floppy is completed, click <Next>, and <Finish>
8. Label the Password Reset Disk, and store in a safe place
    

STEP TWO: Using the Password Rest Disk

1. From the Logon screen, type an incorrect password, press <Enter>
2. From the Logon Failed dialog box, click <Use your password reset disk> (the Password Reset Wizard will begin)
3. From the Welcome to the Password Reset Wizard screen, click <Next>
4. Insert your password reset disk, click <Next>
5. From the Reset the User Account Password page, type a new password (twice)
6. Do not use a “password hint”, click <Next>, then <Finish>
7. You can now logon using your new password
   

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Local Computer Accounts on a Domain (For domain logon problems, see your network administrator) 

STEP ONE: Create the Password Rest Disk

1. Press <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Delete>
2. From the Windows Security window, click <Change Password>
3. From the Change Password’s Logon to box, select your “local computer” (your computer’s name)
4. Click <Backup> starting the Forgotten Password Wizard
5. From the Welcome to the Forgotten Password Wizard screen, click <Next>
6. Insert a blank formatted disk, click <Next>
7. Type the password, click <Next>
8. After the floppy is completed, click <Next>, and <Finish>
9. Click <Cancel> twice to exit
10. Label the Password Reset Disk, and store in a safe place
    

STEP TWO: Using the Password Rest Disk

1. In the Logon dialog box, type an incorrect password, click <Ok>
2. From the Logon Failed dialog box, click <Reset> (the Password Reset Wizard will begin)
3. From the Welcome to the Password Reset Wizard screen, click <Next>
4. Insert your password reset disk, click <Next>
5. From the Reset the User Account Password page, type a new password (twice)
6. Do not use a “password hint”, click <Next>, then <Finish>
7. You can now logon using your new password
   

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TIPS 

• The password reset disk cannot be used to reset the password on another computer.

• The password reset disk contains sensitive information that can be used to access to your computer. Store this disk in a secure location.

• You cannot use the password reset disk to reset your domain account password (only the local computer account).

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