How to Reset a Windows XP or Vista Password

Reboot your computer., Press and hold the F8 key before the Windows logo and loading bar appear., Select "Safe Mode" or "Safe Mode with Networking"., Select the "Administrator" account., Open the Control Panel., Open the "User Accounts" utility...

10 Steps 1 min read Medium

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Reboot your computer.

    This should load the Advanced Startup menu.

    If your computer boots all the way to Windows, you will need to restart and try again. , Wait for Windows to load into Safe Mode. , If you don't see the Administrator account, or you are taken directly to the Safe Mode desktop, press Ctrl + Alt + Del twice and then type Administrator into the User field.

    Leave the Password field blank. , You can find this in the Start menu. ,,,, Click Change Password to confirm. , This will exit Safe Mode and allow you to log in using the new password.
  2. Step 2: Press and hold the F8 key before the Windows logo and loading bar appear.

  3. Step 3: Select "Safe Mode" or "Safe Mode with Networking".

  4. Step 4: Select the "Administrator" account.

  5. Step 5: Open the Control Panel.

  6. Step 6: Open the "User Accounts" utility.

  7. Step 7: Select the user that you want to change the password for.

  8. Step 8: Click "Change the password".

  9. Step 9: Enter your new password twice.

  10. Step 10: Reboot your computer.

Detailed Guide

This should load the Advanced Startup menu.

If your computer boots all the way to Windows, you will need to restart and try again. , Wait for Windows to load into Safe Mode. , If you don't see the Administrator account, or you are taken directly to the Safe Mode desktop, press Ctrl + Alt + Del twice and then type Administrator into the User field.

Leave the Password field blank. , You can find this in the Start menu. ,,,, Click Change Password to confirm. , This will exit Safe Mode and allow you to log in using the new password.

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Michael Ford

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