Using a Password Reset Disk
If you use Windows XP—and if you do a little advance preparation—recovering from a forgotten password is easy (and secure). Windows XP lets each user create a Password Reset Disk, a floppy disk with which users can log on without knowing their password. To create a Password Reset Disk, you need to know your current password; otherwise, someone could create such a disk at your computer when you've stepped away.

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You can make a Password Reset Disk only for your local user account. If your computer is joined to a domain, you can't create a Password Reset Disk as a back door to your domain logon password. However, in a domain environment a domain administrator can safely change your password, and you'll still have access to your encrypted files.
To create a Password Reset Disk, follow these steps:

Log on using the account for which you want to create a Password Reset Disk.
In Control Panel, click User Accounts.
If you're logged on as an administrator, click your account name.
Click Prevent A Forgotten Password (in the task pane under Related Tasks) to start the Forgotten Password Wizard.

Because anyone with physical access to your computer can use your Password Reset Disk to usurp your account, be sure to store the disk in a secure location away from the computer. (Not too far away, of course. You never know when you'll need it.)

When you attempt to log on and can't remember your password, Windows XP displays a message that includes a Use Your Password Reset Disk link (if your computer is configured to use the Welcome screen) or a Reset button (if you're not using the Welcome screen). Click the link or button to launch the Password Reset Wizard. The wizard prompts you to insert your Password Reset Disk and then asks you to create a new password. Log on using your new password and return your Password Reset Disk to its safe storage place.

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Even if your computer is joined to a domain, you might want to create a Password Reset Disk for one of your computer's local user accounts. To do that, log on as the local user. Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to open the Windows Security dialog box. Click Change Password, and then click Backup to launch the Forgotten Password Wizard.

Libellés : Disk, Password, Reset, Using