Lost XP Password

[which_08]

Hey guys, i have lost one of my XP passwords. The computers are owned by me and the files belong to my company. I am looking for a quick fix. maybe a software. Rather than a long list of tasks to do as time is limited. Can anyone help ?

 

[wardourdrive]

Download OPHCRACK from Source forge, this has helped me out a few times, I can't post links yet but a google search will find it, download the live CD version.

 

[stugster]

Download OPHCRACK

= OPHCRACK

[edit: ah, you edited before I posted ]


First question: have you set up XP to encrypt all your files? If so, then using OPHCRACK will completely destroy your data if it changes the password I'm afraid.

If I were you, I'd just take it to a local reputable tech company who'd probably charge no more than £40-£50+VAT to help out.

There are numerous ways to get around it - do you have another login that has administrative rights?

To be honest with you, the quickest fix really is getting someone who knows what they're doing in to do it for you.

 

[Subbynet]

=First question: have you set up XP to encrypt all your files? If so, then using OPHCRACK will completely destroy your data if it changes the password I'm afraid.

Ophcrack won't change the password, it just dumps the hashes and attempts to crack them. If the hash matches the pre-computed hashes based in the rainbow tables it will display the corresponding password used to generate that hash.

So you'll gain access as per normal.

Your advice is well heeded though, by changing the password - which alot of other tools (like ntpassword - available on UBCD) allow you to do (normally by way of directly clearing the old password), you would be left unable to access your data.

And you'd be surprised at the number of people who click that tickbox without fully understanding the ramifications for later at times like these, and the hassle which ensues because proper precautions were not taken to backup (systems and) the keys.

To the OP I'd have to say Stuggy is right though... There is a chance of a disaster here, and forum advice while well meaning can sometimes get lost in translation, so given the way you've worded that question I'd have to assume that you probably don't have the experience to confidently implement any answers we give - especially if you need it done quickly, so you should consult a pro, who should be able to sort this out at a fair price.

 

[computer storm]

Another good bit of software you can use is Winternal, this allows you to boot into what looks like windows and then you select locksmith from the program menu.

Choose the account you want to change the password for and bobs your uncle done and only takes minutes.

 

[ORDERED WEB]

go into safe mode (restart, tap f8, choose safe mode at advanced boot screen, choose win XP, loads of text flies past.. )

Log in with
usename: administrator
password:

(no password)

then go to control panel, and change your user accounts password

 

[TheAlbear]

Yea a rainbow attack will get the job done unless the password is over 15 letters with a mix of numbers and letters then it might take some time.

Check out http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/archives/000949.html for more info.

 

[Ash77]

just make a boot cd and reset the password for the account you need, really quick.

The ultimate boot CD will have a password reset tool on, I can't post links so you'll have to google "ubcd".