Fogotten Password:
If you forget your password in Windows XP, you can reset your password by logging in to XP as the Administrator; however, the administrator account usually doesn't show up on the XP logon screen. To login as the Administrator, you need to boot the computer in Safe Mode using the F8 Key Method outlined below. Also, you will need to know the Administrators Password.
The Administrator password was set when you first configured Windows. It may be blank (no password), or admin, or anything you entered when setting up your comupter. Also, many XP computers have several user accounts, and from my experience, all except the Guest Account, have Administrator Rights, so any account you can login to may be able to change the password for any other user.
Once you login to the PC, go into Control Panel, Users, and reset the password for any account except the account you are currently logged in as, with the exception of the administrators account it self since.
To use the F8 key to start Windows XP & Windows 2000 in Safe mode
- Restart the computer.
Some computers have a progress bar that refers to the word BIOS. Others may not let you know what is happening.
- As soon as the BIOS loads (you hear a single beep), begin tapping the F8 key on your keyboard. Do so until the Windows Advanced Options menu appears.
If you begin tapping the F8 key too soon, some computers display a "keyboard error" message. If this happens, restart the computer and try again. If you wait too long, you miss the opportunity to catch the startup menu. If this happens, restart the computer and try again.
- Using the arrow keys on the keyboard, select Safe mode and then press Enter