Windows XP Pro Password recovery

[bex.cpt]

I have several PC's in the office that was setup by my predecessor, this twat forgot the admin password (more likely just does not want to give it to me) now I am stuck with computers that only has Guest user access. Now usually I would just format the blasted machine and set it up the way I LIKE IT. Small problem with that. The previous users has removed the Windows XP OEM licenses (stickers on the side of the computers) so that leave me stranded. This tight @ss director is not about to go buy 6 new XP OEM licenses. So I need assistance with the following.

1. Is there a utility that I can DL (for free ofcoz ) that will over write the admin password or reveal the password so I can setup these machines for optimum use.

Alternatively is there a tool I can use to retrieve the OEM licenses that was used on these machines.

Both tools will be a GREAT help.

 

[Drake2007]

NT Password crack, (boot CD minimal linux) it overwrites the admin password.
MS Windows keyfinder, name suggests it all.

 

[The_Techie]

I've lost my Windows XP password. What should I do?
In the event that you forget the password for your own system, there are a few things you can try:
...
b) Use a bootable CD/DVD. There are many to choose from, such as Knoppix STD or BartPE. These bootable CDs usually include some form of software to reset the password. I recommend using BartPE and integrating Sala's Password Renew. Also have a look here.

Hardware and Software FAQ

I'm sure if you look around you'll find a few smaller ones

 

[PallBearer]

Google is your friend.

There is a bootable linux CD that will allow you to reset the admin password of any XP pc.

 

[PallBearer]

http://www.hiren.info/pages/bootcd

 

[LazyLion]

Preparing for a re-format and re-installation by backing up your drivers and keys!

A) Back up your Old Registry

1) Click on the Start Button and choose run
2) type regedit.exe and press enter to run the Registry Editor
3) When it is open scroll all the way to the top of the tree and select "My Computer"
4) Now click on the File Menu and choose "export"
5) Export the entire registry twice, once as a TXT file and once as a REG file.
6) Give it name like regbackup.reg and regbackup.txt
7) Move those files to a backup drive or burn to a CD (Can be up to 100 MB depending on how many programs you have installed).

NOTE: You can actually browse through your Registry looking for program keys by browsing these two folders... You might find a lot of installation keys by looking in each folder for all the software you have installed. Do NOT change anything you see there!!!! Just copy and paste the keys or back up the REG files.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER / SOFTWARE or...
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE / SOFTWARE

B) Back up your Software Keys and Windows Activation Files...
(You can use one of these FREE programs or ALL of these programs)
NOTE: Some of these programs might be flagged as malware or spyware by your Anti-Virus because they reveal system passwords and keys. Don't worry they are safe to use for your personal use and you can safely add them to your anti-virus "exception list". Obviously you should guard the password and key information in a safe place.
Some of these programs do more than others. They all have their benefits. Read more about them here... and find links to download them!
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/productkeysactivation/tp/topkeyfinder.htm

1) Magic Jellybean Key Finder...
2) WinKeyFinder...
3) RockXP
4) KeyFinder Pro
5) KeyFinder Thing
6) WinGuggle

C) Backup Your System Drivers
These FREE programs will list and back-up (and restore) system drivers. Useful to do, even if you plan on installing FRESH drivers. It is good to have a record of all the drivers you had installed before for the off-chance that you cannot locate a driver again after re-installing! You can use one or both of these programs!

1) Double Driver...
http://boozet.org/dd.htm
2) DriverMax
http://www.innovative-sol.com/drivermax/

D) Don't forget to back-up your User Files as well. Check this list to make sure you have not missed anything...

1) My Documents Folder (including Docs, Pics, Vids etc.)
2) Shared Documents Folder
3) Your e-mail (Outlook or Outlook Express... etc.)
4) Your program User Files (eg. TurboCash, Quicken, AutoCAD, etc.)
5) Your Downloads folder or wherever you keep your Archives.
6) Your Firefox Profile...
C:/Documents and Settings/{User Name}/Application Data/Mozilla/Firefox/Profiles/...
Your Profile name will look something like "k13xy5k6.default" and that folder contains all your extensions, passwords, bookmarks, etc.

Good Luck!

 

[LazyLion]

http://www.windowpassword.com/

* Find Email Passwords .
* Find FTP, LAN, VPN Passwords .
* Find Instant Messenger Passwords.
* Find Microsft Products CD-Keys.

Password Viewer is released as a freeware now. Everyone can download Password Viewer (Full version) and use it for free.

Another great piece of software that has now become Free!

 

[LazyLion]

Ten Great System Recovery Bootable CDs...
http://www.emergingtechs.com/posts/10-great-tech-tools-boot-cd/

10 Great Tech Tools That Boot from a CD

When working on a computer, certain tasks can be made much easier by using tools that boot from a CD. Some of these tasks include restoring files from a computer with a corrupt operating system, testing hardware, reseting a lost password, or partitioning a hard drive. I would like to share with you 10 great bootable tools that will do all of these things and much more.

Obviously some of these CDs are based on Linux... but still very useful for Windows Users!

 

[bex.cpt]

@Garyvdh There is a place in digital heaven reserved for you Thanks mate.

 

[LazyLion]

@Garyvdh There is a place in digital heaven reserved for you Thanks mate.

No problem! Hope you come right!

 

[bdt]

One of my fave password breakers, Petter Nordhal's Offline NT Password & Registry Editor, found in a few places; I have mine on my UBCD4Win discs. Caveat: it *can* fail to work on newer machines that have funky SATA drivers, say off an nVidia south bridge.

 

[bex.cpt]

No problem! Hope you come right!

Everything you suggested worked PERFECTLY

Now I have a database of all the licenses and backups of all my drivers. 4 hours well spent.

 

[LazyLion]

Everything you suggested worked PERFECTLY

Now I have a database of all the licenses and backups of all my drivers. 4 hours well spent.

OK, before you get too excited though... in my experience the Windows Licence key extracted does not always work upon re-installation. Not sure if it has to do with the version of the disc you are installing with or something else, but I have run into problems before. So make sure you extract the licence with several different programs before you re-install.

If you can, right before you re-install, try to trigger a re-activation, then click on "Change License Key" and write down the old license key from there.

 

[bex.cpt]

OK, before you get too excited though... in my experience the Windows Licence key extracted does not always work upon re-installation. Not sure if it has to do with the version of the disc you are installing with or something else, but I have run into problems before. So make sure you extract the licence with several different programs before you re-install.

If you can, right before you re-install, try to trigger a re-activation, then click on "Change License Key" and write down the old license key from there.

I have completed ALL the machines last night and ALL the license keys worked perfectly. I also activated them online

 

[bebeliv]

There is a very simple way to rest admin password without erasing anything. Follow the instructions:
Download the software from
http://www.password-genius.com/how-...-when-i-forget-my-windows-login-password.html
2. Burn it to a CD.
3. Pop the CD into your locked PC, and boot from the CD. You can login windows and reset your Password.

The whole process took only a few minutes

 

[chickenbeef]

IMO the easiest method is Hirens boot CD