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Now Im not suggesting that you go out and buy a journal with a lock and key so that you can write down all of your passwords in it ( although many people do this ), Its just as easy to prepare yourself by creating what Microsoft calls a “Password Reset Disk”. Follow these steps to create a special disk that will let you back into a user account you or someone else has forgotten the password to. You must be logged into your computer as an Administrator to set this up. Even though we are using the term “Disk” here, it doesnt have to be a 3.5″ diskette….you can use that 256mb USB drive that you bought 2 years ago for document storage that is now collecting dust because its too small. Just make sure you plug that into your computer before you start these steps so that your computer can use it as a storage option when you get to step 5.

These steps are specific for Windows XP Installations

1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. In Control Panel, click User Accounts.
3. In the User Accounts pane, click the account that you want to work with.
4. Under Related Tasks, click Prevent a forgotten password to start the Forgotten Password Wizard, and then click Next.
5. Insert a blank, formatted disk into drive A, and then click Next.
6. In the Current user account password box, type the password for the user account that you chose in step 3, and then click Next.

   Note If the user account does not have a password, do not type a password in the Current user account password box.

   The Forgotten Password Wizard creates the disk.

7. When the Progress bar reaches 100% complete, click Next, and then click Finish.
8. Remove and then label the password reset disk. Store the disk in a safe place.

These steps are specific for Vista Installations

1. Click the windows symbol ( Start Icon ) in the lower left corner and then click Control Panel.
2. Click User Accounts and Family Safety.
3. Insert either a USB flash drive or a floppy disk.
4. Click Create a password reset disk in the left pane.
5. When the Forgotten Password Wizard appears, click Next.
6. Select the drive in which you want to store your password, and then click Next.
7. In the Current User Account Password field, type your current password, and then click Next.
8. When the Progress bar reaches 100%, click Next, and then click Finish.
9. When the password reset disk has been created, remove the disk and store it in a safe location.

Now if you are at the point where you have forgotten a user password, but you havent created a Password Reset Disk, you still have options, but your choices are narrowing and include such terminology as “Re-Install the Operating System” and “wipe your harddrive”. It doesnt always mean that you will lose the information on your harddrive because there are ways to gain access to user account passwords. Contact a reputable <a href=”http://www.computerrepairinct.com/” target=”_blank” title=”Call ePRO computer Repair at (203)992-9611″>computer Repair Business for advice and direction. <a href=”http://www.eproct.com/repair” target=”_blank” title=”ePRO computer Repair (203)992-9611″>They will have utilities that can crack the password or at least will be able to remove the drive and retrieve your documents from it.

About the Author:

Gino Orfitelli is the owner/operator of ePRO, LLC. A Southington CT based service company with a twist. We come to you!

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