Forgot Windows Password - any Version of XP, Vista and 7

[DCB]

Note: Content will be updated in irregular intervals.
Nota Bene: I take no responsibility for any damage done to your system. Please proceed with caution.

If you forgot the password to your Windows user account and do not have access to an Administrator account on the same machine, one of the following should help:

1) Boot PC in Save Mode.
Every Windows (2000, XP, Vista, 7) has an Administrator account (which has the User Name "Administrator"). This account is usually disabled, but gets activated in Save Mode (see also: viewtopic.php?f=10&t=1346 ).
To start Windows in Save Mode restart your PC and press F8 as it starts to boot. Do not hold down F8, but keep pressing it repeatedly. A Boot Menu should appear allowing you to select Save Mode. Now, at the logon screen you should be able to select the Administrator account or type in Administrator and hit Return (if you did not protected you Administrator account with a password). Now you can reset or change the password for your account.

2) Use a Boot CD.
This requires that you have access to a PC with internet and CD-Burner software or an USB stick.
Go to:
http://pogostick.net/~pnh/ntpasswd/
and download the image. Burn it to a CD or copy it to the USB stick and boot with it. You can now remove the password of any account on your PC and activate or deactivate accounts as you like. Don't forget to save your changes.
Alternatively just google "Windows Password Recovery Tool"

Please note that this is not the most legal way to solve the problem.

3) Reinstall Windows.
If none of the above helps, you will probably have no other option than to reinstall Windows. There are ways to connect your hard disc via USB to another PC to save your files (e.g.: an ICY Box).