How to Reset Your Windows Password

To reset your Windows password, you will need to use a rescue image called "System Rescue CD," which can be found in the rescue options on your service.

Rescue Options

Note: The password displayed in the rescue system is not relevant; it is not needed.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Boot into System Rescue CD

  1. Select "System Rescue CD" from your rescue options and boot into it.
  2. Once booted, you will be greeted with a terminal interface.

System Rescue Terminal

Step 2: Prepare the NTFS Partition

Enter the following commands to prepare and mount the Windows NTFS partition:

ntfsfix /dev/sda1
mkdir /mnt/windows
mount /dev/sda1 /mnt/windows
cd /mnt/windows/Windows/System32/config/

You should now be in the /mnt/windows/Windows/System32/config directory.

Config Directory

Step 3: Reset the Password

Run the command to start the password reset utility:

chntpw -u Administrator SAM

Note: If your user is not Administrator, replace Administrator with your username.

You will see a menu similar to this:

chntpw Menu

Execute the following options:

  1. Press 2 and then Enter to clear the password.
  2. Press 1 and then Enter to save changes.

When you see the same menu again, press q and then Enter to quit.

Quit Menu

Step 4: Write Changes and Reboot

You will be prompted with "Hives changed. Write hive files?". Enter y and press Enter.

Finally, execute the following commands to unmount the partition and reboot:

cd
umount /mnt/windows
reboot

Unmount and Reboot

Step 5: Set a New Password

Windows will now reboot without a password. Once logged in, go to the settings application and set a new password for your account.

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