Tip

Creating an administrator password reset disk

As an administrator, it's a good idea to create a password reset disk in case you forget your password. You'll need a blank floppy disk. To create the disk, follow these steps:

  1. In your own account, open Control Panel and open User Accounts.
  2. Click your account name/picture.
  3. Choose Prevent a Forgotten Password under Related Tasks in the Explorer bar.

The Forgotten Password Wizard will take you step-by-step through the procedure. When you're done, store the disk in a safe place where you can find it in an emergency. Be aware that anybody can use this disk to log on to your account without a password. So this is one disk you definitely don't want to leave laying around.

To use the password reset disk in the future, log on normally. When prompted for your password, click the -> button to try to log on without a password. In the message box that pops up, click the link that enables you to log on with your password reset disk. Another wizard will appear, helping you to create a new password and log on.

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This was first published in June 2006

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