Prevent a forgotten password in Windows XP

Prevent a forgotten password in Windows XP

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.

Tip: If you do not know the password and have not created this diskette follow the steps for a forgotten password.

Creating the forgotten password diskette

• Open Control Panel.
• In Control Panel open the User Accounts window by double-clicking the User Accounts icon.
• In the User Accounts window in the top left Related Tasks section click Prevent a forgotten password.
• Insert a blank floppy diskette into the computer and click Next.
• Type the password for the user you are creating the diskette for and click Next.
• 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 steps below.
• At the Windows XP login prompt when the password is entered incorrectly click the reset button in the login failed window.
• Insert the password reset diskette into the computer and click Next.
• If the correct diskette is being used Windows XP shows a window prompting for the new password.

Additional information
See our password definition for further information and related links on this term.