How to Reset the Windows XP Administrator Password

How to Reset the Windows XP Local Administrator Password

Posted on December 8th, 2008 by simon

This came in handy recently helping a client. Sure, I could have used a Linux CD, but nothing wrong with using existing Windows tricks.

Insert your Windows XP Setup CD and boot your computer.
Proceed past the welcome screen and the EULA.
You will have the option to install XP again, or “Repair your existing Windows XP installation“. Press “R” to choose repair.
At this point, the repair process will copy any necessary files - not sure why this is needed for a password reset.
The system will restart. Please ensure you DO NOT press a key when “Press any key to continue…” appears.
Watch carefully for the message “Installing Devices”, at which point hit the SHIFT key AND F10 key.
A command prompt will open (if you do not know what a command prompt is, this may be too advanced for you). Type nusrmgr.cpl followed by the ENTER key.
The “User Accounts” window opens which will now allow you to reset the local Administrator account.