How to create a password reset disk for a system that is not a domain member in Vista/XP

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If you’re running Windows XP Professional as a local user in a workgroup environment, you can create a password reset disk to log on to your computer when you forget your password.

For windows XP professional Users

To create the disk follow this procedure

Click Start, click Control Panel, and then click User Accounts.

Click your account name.

Under Related Tasks, click Prevent a forgotten password.

Follow the directions in the Forgotten Password Wizard to create a password reset disk.

Important Store the disk in a secure location, because anyone using it can access your local user account.

For Vista Users

If you forget your computer password, you can use a password reset disk to create a new one. We recommend that you create a password reset disk when you create your password, so you don’t lose access to your files and information.

Note:- A password reset disk can only be created for local user accounts. If your computer is on a domain, a network administrator can reset your domain logon password.

To complete these steps, you’ll need removable media such as a USB flash drive or floppy disk.

Open User Accounts by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking User Accounts and Family Safety, and then clicking User Accounts.

In the left pane, click Create a password reset disk, and then follow the instructions. Make sure you store the password reset disk in a safe place.

Log on to the computer by using a password reset disk

If you forget your password, you can log on to the computer by using a new password that you create by using the Password Reset Wizard and your password reset disk. To do this, follow these steps: 1. On the Windows XP logon screen, click the user name that you want to use. The Type your password box appears. Press ENTER or click the right-arrow button. You receive the following error message:

Did you forget your password?
You can click the “?” button to see your password hint.
Or you can use your password reset disk.

Please type your password again.
Be sure to use the correct uppercase and lowercase letters.

Click use your password reset disk. The Password Reset Wizard starts. The Password Reset Wizard permits you to create a new password for your user account.Click Next.

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

Type a new password in the Type a new password box.

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

In the Type a new password hint box, type a hint to remind you of your password if you forget the new password.

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

Click Next, and then click Finish. The Password Reset Wizard quits, and you return to the Windows XP logon screen.

Note The password reset disk is automatically updated with the new password information. You do not have to create a new password reset disk.

Type your new password in the Type your password box, and then click the right-arrow button to log on to the computer.