Re: locked out of XP, need file access

[Tate <tateb () bresnan net>]

J. Yoon wrote:
> I'm locked out of my own Windows XP box.
> Being a paranoid,
> I have not provided myself with any password hints
> even for the administrator mode.
>
> I do remember about 2 characters from it though
> but there's just too many combinations.
>
> There are personal files in there that I need to access.
>
> I remember that with the old Win98,
> it was possible to do something with the .pwd file
> (not that we needed it,
> since all the files are accessible anyway)
> but I'm sure things have changed significantly since.
>
> I did infact try using a XP password recovery tool kit
> and global-resetter thing I got from the net...
> but the software asks me to enter root password
> and then tells me to get lost.
> It's strange and ironic,
> because the passwd is precisely what I'm trying to figure out.
>
> I don't wanna read a 1,000 page book just yet
> cuz I need access to my files asap.
>
> What would be some of the necessary simple steps to take at this time?
> Thanks in advance...

Is this what you tried?

http://home.eunet.no/~pnordahl/ntpasswd/

It does work with XP - I've used it myself a couple times. What it's 
asking for is not your existing password - the one you've forgotten, but 
a new one it will set.

It replaces the 'forgotten' password - dosen't 'discover' it.

Be certain you read the documentation. There area a few potential 
'gotchyas'. And, if the files are encrypted, well....

Good luck.

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