How to Log on to Windows XP Using the Default Blank Administrator Password
Reboot your machine., Press F8 before the Windows boot screen appears., Select the Start Windows in Safe Mode option. , Click through several self-explanatory screens until your reach the familiar 'Welcome' screen., Find the icon for the...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Reboot your machine.
Do not press F5 as used on the NT/9x versions of Windows.
You will be be prompted with a boot options menu. ,, Note that this welcome screen is limited to 256 colors and 640x480 resolution because the primary graphics will have been set to the Windows Safe Mode software VGA adapter.
You will not be able to change this mode even in Display options, while Windows is running in Safe Mode. , If the default settings of your system haven't been changed, there should be no password for this account. ,,, Press START, click RUN, and type in CMD, press ENTER.
This will bring up a window likely unfamiliar to you.
This is the command line, it allows you to manage files or change settings without restriction (no restriction on the administrative account).
Before the graphical environment of Windows, this is what Microsoft users used. , Type in (without the quotes, and yes, the asterisk (*) is necessary) "net user (username) *".
It will ask you to type in a password, then to retype it.
You just changed the password! , Exit the command shell dialogue, don't type in anything else if you don't know what you're doing, you could really hose down your computer.
Log out of the administrative account, then log back in to your account with the new password. , As long as you don't press any keys (e.g.
F8) during the boot-up the computer will start up normally. , -
Step 2: Press F8 before the Windows boot screen appears.
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Step 3: Select the Start Windows in Safe Mode option.
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Step 4: Click through several self-explanatory screens until your reach the familiar 'Welcome' screen.
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Step 5: Find the icon for the Administrator user.
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Step 6: The Safe Mode Welcome screen might display some of the other users on your system.
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Step 7: Press Yes at the prompt asking if you would like to continue using Safe Mode.
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Step 8: Open up the command shell.
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Step 9: Change the password of the account.
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Step 10: Log in.
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Step 11: Reboot your computer.
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Step 12: Login as the user for which you set the password.
Detailed Guide
Do not press F5 as used on the NT/9x versions of Windows.
You will be be prompted with a boot options menu. ,, Note that this welcome screen is limited to 256 colors and 640x480 resolution because the primary graphics will have been set to the Windows Safe Mode software VGA adapter.
You will not be able to change this mode even in Display options, while Windows is running in Safe Mode. , If the default settings of your system haven't been changed, there should be no password for this account. ,,, Press START, click RUN, and type in CMD, press ENTER.
This will bring up a window likely unfamiliar to you.
This is the command line, it allows you to manage files or change settings without restriction (no restriction on the administrative account).
Before the graphical environment of Windows, this is what Microsoft users used. , Type in (without the quotes, and yes, the asterisk (*) is necessary) "net user (username) *".
It will ask you to type in a password, then to retype it.
You just changed the password! , Exit the command shell dialogue, don't type in anything else if you don't know what you're doing, you could really hose down your computer.
Log out of the administrative account, then log back in to your account with the new password. , As long as you don't press any keys (e.g.
F8) during the boot-up the computer will start up normally. ,
About the Author
Lauren Collins
Specializes in breaking down complex pet care topics into simple steps.
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