How to Open a Locked Computer Without Knowing Password

Help with a lost Windows password Windows includes a hidden Administrator account that can be usedforproblems with other accounts. You can access it by restarting the computer into safe mode.

First, restart the computer. As it starts, repeatedly press the F8 key (some computers instead require the Delete or Esc key).

Instead of the familiar Windows screen, you'll see a text-only Advanced Options Menu.

Use the arrow keys toselect Safe Mode.

Then press Enter.

Select the Administrator account.

By defaultonmost computers,itrequires no password. Once logged in, you can change the password of the account you normally use.

To make the change, click Start>>Run.Inthe box,type "controluserpasswords2" (without the quotes) and click OK.

Select yournormal account name in the list.
Click the Reset Password button. You'llbe promptedfora new password.
Youcan restart the computer and use the new passwordon your normal account. If you're completely locked out of yourcomputer,you'llneedsoftware.Suchservices include Login Recovery, FastCrack, andNT Password andRegistry Editor. Each is free. They make use of boot disks that you can download toa floppyorburntoCD.Of course, you'll have to use some other computer to do the downloading. Once you've got access to yourcomputer,set a new passwordthrough Windows. To do it, click Start>>Control Panel. Double-click User Accounts. Select your account and click "Change my password."You'llbe promptedfora new password. You'll also have the opportunitytoentera passwordreminder. Itshould triggeryour memory if you ever forget yourpassword. But the reminder should not be descriptive enough to allow others to determine yourpassword.