Microsoft KB Archive/930381

= How to create and use a password reset disk in Windows Vista =

Article ID: 930381

Article Last Modified on 8/9/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Windows Vista Business
 * Windows Vista Enterprise
 * Windows Vista Home Basic
 * Windows Vista Home Premium
 * Windows Vista Ultimate

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INTRODUCTION
This step-by-step article describes how to create and use a password reset disk in Windows Vista.

If you forget your user account password, you can use a password reset disk to create a new password. Create a password reset disk so that you are prepared if you forget your password. By using a password reset disk, you can avoid losing access to the files and to the information on your computer.

Note You cannot use a password reset disk to reset the password for another computer.

Warning A third-party can access your computer by using a password reset disk. Therefore, it is important to store the disk in a safe location.



MORE INFORMATION
To create a password reset disk, you must have writable removable media, such as a floppy disk or a USB flash drive.

To create a password reset disk, follow these steps:
 * 1) Click Start vistastartbutton.jpg], type Control Userpasswords in the Start Search box, and then click Control Userpasswords in the Programs list.
 * 2) In the Tasks list, click Create a Password Reset Disk.
 * 3) Put the writable removable media in the applicable media drive, and then click Next on the Forgotten Password Wizard page.
 * 4) On the Create a Password Reset Disk page, specify the drive in which to create the password reset disk, and then click Next.
 * 5) In the Current user account password box, type the password for the user account, and then click Next. If the user account does not have a password, leave the Current user account password box blank.
 * 6) When progress reaches 100 percent on the Creating Password Reset Disk page, click Next, and then click Finish.
 * 7) Remove the password reset disk from the media drive, label the media &quot;Password Reset,&quot; and then store the media in a safe location.

To use the password reset disk and the Password Reset Wizard to log on to the computer, follow these steps:
 * 1) In the Windows Vista logon window, click Reset Password.
 * 2) Put the Password Reset media in the applicable media drive, and then click Next in the Reset Password Wizard.
 * 3) In the The password key disk is in the following drive list, click the drive in which the password reset disk is located, and then click Next.
 * 4) In the Type a new password box, type the new password that you want to use for the user account.
 * 5) In the Type the password again to confirm box, type the password again.
 * 6) In the Type a new password hint box, type a hint that will remind you of the password if you forget it.
 * 7) Click Next, and then click Finish.
 * 8) Use the new password to log on to Windows Vista.

Additional query words: winvista login credentials

Keywords: kbhowto kbenv kbrepair kbexpertiseinter kbexpertisebeginner KB930381

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