How To Create a Password Reset Disk
The best practice you can do to prevent a lost windows password is to create a windows password reset disk. Microsoft has created a 'Forgotten Password Wizard' which is a utility built into windows. The forgotten password wizard lets you create a password reset disk that you can use to recover your user account and personalized computer settings in the event you forget your windows password.
The steps to complete the password reset disk differ depending on whether your computer is a member of a domain, if it is part of a workgroup, or is a stand-alone computer).
If Your Computer is part of a Domain
1. Press CTRL + ALT + DELETE to open the Windows Security dialog box. Click Change Password.
2. Click 'Backup' to open the Forgotten Password Wizard. Click Next, and then follow the instructions.
My Computer is not on a Domain
These steps differ depending on the type of user account you have.
If you have a computer administrator account:
1. Open User Accounts in Control Panel. Click on your account name.
Under Related Tasks, click 'Prevent a forgotten password'.
In the Forgotten Password Wizard, follow the instructions.
If you Have a Limited Account
1. Open User Accounts in Control Panel.
Under Related Tasks, click Prevent a forgotten password.
In the Forgotten Password Wizard, follow the instructions.
Windows Password Reset Disk Overview
To protect user accounts in the event that the user forgets their password, all local users should make a windows password reset disk and store it in a safe place. If the user forgets their windows password, their windows password can be reset using the windows password reset disk. The user is then able to access their local user account again.
