You can follow Microsoft instruction. But if you don’t have a “password reset disk” you have to follow this method:
- With your Windows XP CD in the cd-rom drive and boot your computer
- Press any key when you read “Press any key to boot from cd” on the screen
- The first screen will indicate that Setup is inspecting the system hardware and loading files
- When you get to the Welcome screen, press ENTER to Setup Windows now
- Press F8 to accept the Licensing Agreement
- The next screen gives you the option to start a Repair process. Use the arrow keys to select your XP installation (if you only have one, it should already be selected) and press R to begin the Repair process.
Don't use repair using recovery console option. Continue To install windows, then it will show that already another copy of windows exists. It will show your current copy of windows installation and give you options, now press R for repair. After resetting your password, you will need to continue the repair process.
- Setup will now check your disks and then start copying files which can take several minutes. Shortly after this stage you will be required to reboot
- During the reboot do not press any key to boot from the CD again. Setup will resume automatically with the standard screen
- Keep your eye on the lower left hand side of the screen. When you see the Installing Devices progress bar, press SHIFT + F10. A command console will now open up giving you a wide access to the system
- At the prompt, type NUSRMGR.CPL and press Enter. You have gained graphical access to your User Accounts in the Control Panel
- Now remove or change your password as you prefer. Once the Repair is done, you will be able to log on with your new password. Your programs and personalized settings should remain intact.
Now that your logon problem is fixed, you should prevent this problem from happening again by creating a Password Reset Disk. This is a floppy disk you can use in the event you forget your password. It allows you to set a new password.
