Forgot password, now locked out of XP computer

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In trying to avoid my having to click on an icon to start work on my XP m/c, I changed a setting. Bad move, for now I cannot remember my password, in fact don’t remember ever having used one on that PC, and now Windows denies me access. Anyone know how to get around this situation?

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Try the information here.

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Try the information here.

Worth pointing out that this bootable Linux-type CD modifies the registry (of necessity), and doesn’t always work successfully (in my limited experience). That said, I would be quite happy to try it because most times it’s successful!

BATcher

Plethora means a lot to me.

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Since this is XPMC you have a version of XP Pro with Media Center bootstrapped to the OS.

With XP Pro you can boot into Safe Mode and there should be a new account visible called Administrator that is not visible normally. This account should not have a password assigned to it unless you assigned one earlier. Log on to Windows and go to Control Panel>User Accounts and then go to your user account and change or remove the password. OK your way out and then restart the PC. You should now be able to access your user account.

There is also a wizard in your account setting to prevent forgotten passwords in the future. See attachment…

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Thanks for taking the time to post, DocWatson and mdbct and BATcher, but after I had earlier given the problem more thought, I became certain that I had never created a password. First thing this (New Zealand) morning then was, when the user name (with the word Administrator already entered)/password small window appeared, I hit Enter — and Windows started. I have never felt more pleased to hear the Windows XP jingle.

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That is by far the easiest solution – well remembered (eventually!)…

BATcher

Plethora means a lot to me.

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The KISS principle is often the most elegant solution.

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