How to Recover a Forgotten Windows Password

Guide to regaining access to a PC running Windows XP, Vista, or Windows 7 in a just a few easy steps.

Remembering passwords can be a chore these days, especially as the number proliferates thanks to the wide variety of sites and terminals we use on a regular basis. Some have computer login passwords at work and then computer login passwords at home to keep track of, and it’s not always an easy task. Combined with all the usernames and passwords we have to remember online and it’s no wonder we forget them from time to time.

The most troubling password of them all to forget is the password for your home PC. For most there’s no home IT dept to call on, and nobody wants to have to reinstall Windows to regain access.

That’s why with this guide you’ll be able to recover a forgotten Windows password and reclaim your PC with all of your important data without having to resort to such drastic action.

There are a number of different programs you can use, but we’ll be using the freeware program PC Login Now since it’s among the easiest to install and use. PC Login doesn’t actually recover your forgotten password, however it simply resets it so that it’s if there was never one at all.

1. Download PC Login Now

With this step you’ll obviously need to have access to the PC of a family or friend with an Internet connection.

2. Burn PC Login Now to a disc.

PC Login Now is in the form of an .ISO file (disc image) that you’ll need to burn to a disc. I recommend using DVD Decrypter if only because it too is free, and also because I have written a handy guide to lead you through the process.

3. Change BIOS to Boot from CD/DVD-Rom

This is probably the trickiest part, if only because there’s no universally defined method for accessing a computer’s BIOS (built-in firmware that controls a computer’s startup and hardware operations).

When you boot up your PC a a message will flash briefly acros the screen telling you what to do to access it.

Here are a few examples:

• Press [key] to access system configuration
• Enter BIOS by pressing [key]
• Press [key] to enter setup
• Press [key] to access BIOS
• Press [key] to enter BIOS setup

Once you’re in navigate to”Boot Order” and change it so that your PC will boot from the CD/DVD-Rom drive.

Save your changes and exit.

4. Insert PC Login Now CD

5. Select Operating System

6. Select a User for Password Reset

7. Select “Password is Empty”

8. Click “Next”

9. Click “Ok” and Computer Will Reboot

After it reboots it’ll start up and allow you to login without a password for the user account you selected.

It’s that easy.

Stay tuned.

[email protected] | @jarednoya