Hello Friends
Can't Log On to Windows XP?
If that's your only problem, then you probably have nothing to worry about. As long as you have your Windows XP CD, you
can get back into your system using a simple but effective method made possible by a little known access hole in Windows
XP.
You can easily change or wipe out your Administrator password for free during a Windows XP Repair. Here's how with a step-by-step
description of the initial Repair process included for newbie's.
1. Place your Windows XP CD in your cd-rom and start your computer (it's assumed here that your XP CD is
bootable ? as it should be - and that you have your bios set to boot from CD)
2. Keep your eye on the screen messages for booting to your cd Typically, it will be "Press any key to boot
from cd"
3. Once you get in, the first screen will indicate that Setup is inspecting your system and loading files.
4. When you get to the Welcome to Setup screen, press ENTER to Setup Windows now
5. The Licensing Agreement comes next - Press F8 to accept it.
6. The next screen is the Setup screen which gives you the option to do a Repair.
It should read something like "If one of the following Windows XP installations is damaged, Setup can try to
repair it"
Use the up and down 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.
7. Let the Repair run. Setup will now check your disks and then start copying files which can take several
minutes.
8. Shortly after the Copying Files stage, you will be required to reboot. (this will happen automatically ? you will
see a progress bar stating "Your computer will reboot in 15 seconds"
9. During the reboot, do not make the mistake of "pressing any key" to boot from the CD again! Setup will
resume automatically with the standard billboard screens and you will notice Installing Windows is
highlighted.
10. Keep your eye on the lower left hand side of the screen and when you see the Installing Devices
progress bar, press SHIFT + F10. This is the security hole! A command console will now open up giving you
the potential for wide access to your system.
11. At the prompt, type NUSRMGR.CPL and press Enter. Voila! You have just gained graphical access to
your User Accounts in the Control Panel.
12. Now simply pick the account you need to change and remove or change your password as you prefer. If
you want to log on without having to enter your new password, you can type control userpasswords2 at the
prompt and choose to log on without being asked for password. After you've made your changes close the
windows, exit the command box and continue on with the Repair (have your Product key handy).
13. Once the Repair is done, you will be able to log on with your new password (or without a password if you
chose not to use one or if you chose not to be asked for a password). Your programs and personalized
settings should remain intact.
I tested the above on Windows XP Pro with and without SP1 and also used this method in a real situation where someone
could not remember their password and it worked like a charm to fix the problem. This security hole allows access to more
than just user accounts.
