How To Create a
Windows XP Password Reset Disk
Creating a Windows XP password reset
disk is a great way to protect yourself from the possibility of forgetting your
account password. With it, you can easily reset your password and get right in
to Windows XP.
Be proactive by creating a password
reset disk right now. With a password reset disk, you don't ever have to worry
about forgetting your password again.
Note: If you've already forgotten your Windows
XP password but do nothave
a password reset disk, see Tip #4 at the bottom of the page for help.
Follow these easy steps to create a
password reset disk for your Windows XP account:
Difficulty: Easy
Time
Required: Creating
a password reset disk for your Windows XP logon usually takes less than five
minutes
Here's How:
1.
Click on Start and then Control Panel.
2.
Click on the User Accounts link.
Note: If
you're viewing the Classic
View of Control Panel,
double-click on the User Accounts icon.
3.
In the pick
an account to change area of
the User Accounts window, click on your Windows XP user
name.
4.
In the Related
Tasks area on the left, click
the Prevent a forgotten password link.
5.
When the Forgotten Password Wizard window appears, click Next
Note: You
will need a floppy disk
drive and a blank floppy disk.
6.
On the next screen, verify that a blank
floppy disk is inserted in your floppy disk drive.
Click Next to continue.
7.
With the disk still in the drive, enter
your current account password in the text box and click Next.
8.
Windows XP will now create the password
reset disk.
When the progress indicator
shows 100% complete, click Next and then click Finish in the next
window.
9.
You can now remove the floppy disk from
your computer.
Label the disk
"Windows XP Password Reset" and store it in a safe place.
Tips:
1.
Not a Windows XP user? See How Do I Create a Windows Password Reset
Disk? for specific instructions for your version of Windows.
2.
You only need to create a password reset
disk for your Windows XP logon password once. No matter how many times you change your password, this disk will always allow you to create a new one.
3.
While a password reset disk will certainly
come in handy if you ever forget your password, keep in mind that anyone who
possesses this disk will be able to access your account at any time, even if
you change your password.
4.
Unfortunately, if you've forgotten your
Windows XP password and can no longer acceses Windows, you won't be able to
create a password reset disk.
Luckily there are several
things you can do to try to get in. Windows
password recovery programs are
popular ways of getting your password back but you should also see Help! I Forgot My Windows XP
Password! for a complete list of your options.
