Reference number: CH000628

Prevent a forgotten password in Windows XP.

Question:

Prevent a forgotten password in Windows XP.

Additional information:

Microsoft Windows XP Home and Professional includes an option that enables users to create a floppy diskette that enables them to access the computer in the event of a forgotten password. Below are the steps required to create this diskette.

If you do not know your password to enter Windows XP and have not created this diskette please see document CH000172 for information about how to access Windows XP when a password is forgotten. 

Answer:

Creating the forgotten password diskette

1. In Microsoft Windows open Control Panel.
2. In Control Panel open the User Accounts window by double-clicking the User Accounts icon.
3. In the User Accounts Window in the top left Related Tasks section click Prevent a forgotten password.
4. Insert a blank floppy diskette into the computer and click Next.
5. Type the password for the user you are creating the diskette for and click Next.
6. Wait until the diskette has completed the process of being created and then store the diskette in a place you will remember.

Using the forgotten password diskette

If you have forgotten your Windows XP password, however have created a forgotten password diskette earlier to use the diskette follow the below steps.

1. At the Windows XP login prompt when the password is entered incorrectly click the reset button in the login failed window.
2. Insert the password reset diskette into the computer and click Next.
3. If the correct diskette Windows XP will open a window prompting for the new password you wish to use.