Recovering Windows Passwords

Chris | Live Tech Support | Video Help | Add to iTunes

http://live.pirillo.com/ – The gal who uploads videos for me called in tonight needing help with her daughters’ brand new laptop. Apparently, the daughter set a password on the ONLY Admin account, and then promptly forgot it. Kat had already installed all the programs, transferred music, etc and doesn’t want to have to format.

At first I was hesitant about doing this video. We all know that what I say can be used for nefarious purposes. I want to point out that is NOT my intention here at all. However, there is often a legitimate need for someone to be able to recover their password. Let’s face it. We all forget a password at some point. When that password is keeping you from being able to get into your computer at all… it can be disastrous if you have important work or school files on there. This was the case with Kat and her daughter. Being a Microsoft MVP in the area of Windows Security, Kat well knows the dangers of teaching people how to bypass or reset a password. However, she agrees with me that there are definitely people out there who really need this help.

All that out of the way, let’s get down to helping her! Several people in the chat room are recommending using a Ultimate Boot CD. Looking around, I think that’s going to be the way to go. You can also try SamInside. That looks like a powerful choice, as well. It’s not free, of course… and we know the reason why. Hopefully having to pay for this will stop people from using it for evil reasons. Another chatter is suggesting OphCrack. However, that is a Linux based utility, and may be difficult for you to use.

This is why I recommend using a password storage program, or even an online based one. This way, you can always look up your passwords. Heck, keep a small notebook hidden somewhere with your passwords written in them! Just don’t ever use the same password on every site, and don’t use something easy to guess! I hope everything works out ok for you, Kat. Make sure you let us know what happens!

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