Member Avatar for desmondo

Ive forgotton my logon password to my computer. Ive tried password recovery tools but they dont work. I get a message saying sam databases not found, but i still cant logon. Can anyone help me with this problem I dont want to have to reinstall

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Several posters (notably , , and ) have suggested bootable recovery tools, ERD-type rescue media and the built‑in Administrator — all reasonable options. When a tool returns "SAM database not found" the tool simply cannot open the Windows account hive (normally at C:\Windows\System32\config\SAM). Common causes are: the recovery environment is looking at the wrong volume (OEM/recovery partition mounted), the hive is missing/corrupt, or the disk is encrypted (BitLocker).

Least‑destructive troubleshooting to try next (from a Windows install/repair USB or DVD, open Command Prompt and identify the Windows volume):

dir C:\Windows
dir D:\Windows

Once the correct drive letter is located, check the registry backup folder and sizes:

X:
cd \Windows\System32\config
dir RegBack

If RegBack contains non‑zero files, restore those hives (make a backup first):

md X:\repair-backup
copy *.* X:\repair-backup
copy RegBack\SAM SAM
copy RegBack\SYSTEM SYSTEM
copy RegBack\SOFTWARE SOFTWARE
copy RegBack\SECURITY SECURITY
copy RegBack\DEFAULT DEFAULT

Notes and cautions: always back up the current config files before overwriting. If RegBack files are zero bytes or missing, or the copy fails, the volume may be BitLocker‑protected (offline tools will not read the SAM) or the registry is irreparably damaged. In that case extract user data with a live Linux/WinPE USB to an external disk before attempting an OS reinstall. The checklist above complements the suggestions already posted in this thread (bootable utilities, Safe Mode admin and password reset media) while targeting the specific "SAM not found" failure mode. Legal ownership of the machine must be confirmed before using these recovery techniques.

Recommended Answers

All 11 Replies

Member Avatar for Godsp3ed

I can suggest you two bootable pass-crackers :
2) Ophcrack
3)


Ophcrack will Find you the password (Not fool-proof)(412 Mb to download)(But easy to use)

Offline NT password and registry editor works on all platforms of windows. It won't retrieve your password but instead will clear it through 5-10 steps...The steps may seem complicated but its worth...

I've Personally tried the 2nd method and it Works very well...

Member Avatar for AndrewCoy

Here is the easiest tool I've used http://www.pcloginnow.com/ it is all automatic. It will expire the password which will prompt you to enter a new one next time you log on.

Member Avatar for nabin limbu

how could i logon my computer

Member Avatar for preetg

hi nabin.......have you lost your password?????or just facing some another problem???

Member Avatar for Technocrate25

2) Password Reset Disk : A password reset disk, allows you to change your password, without needing to know your old password. You can make a password reset disk only for your local user account. This disk contains a single file named Userkey.psw, which is an encrypted backup version of your password. You can create a password reset disk as follows : you’ll need to have removable media available viz. usb, floppy, cd, external hard drive, or a memory card.
1. Log on using the account for which you want to create a password reset disk.

2. In the Control Panel, open User Accounts.

3. In the Tasks pane, click Create A Password Reset Disk to launch the Forgotten Password wizard. and then follow the wizards instructions.

To use the password reset disk when you forget your password:

1. On the logon screen, make an entry in the password box. if you guess right, you’re in! if you are wrong, Vista informs you that the password is incorrect.

2. Click OK. The logon screen reappears, but with additional text below the password box.

3. If the first bit of additional text, your password hint, tries to jog your memory, enter your password. If not, click Reset Password to open the Password Reset wizard.This wizard asks for the location of the password reset disk, reads the encrypted key, and then asks you to set a new password, which it then uses to log you on.

Member Avatar for eric2001

Hello all,

My problem is I'm logged in, but don't want to log off because I forgot the password. Can I find the password while logged in???

Thank you.

Member Avatar for eric2001

sorry,

running vista

thanks.

Member Avatar for lambing

try this..

1. Reboot your system
2. Press F8 and go on to safemode
3. Login using the administrator account
4. Go to control panel and look for the useraccounts or right click my computer then go to manage, then look for the users and click on your useraccount. Right click and set a password of yours.
5. Reboot your system normally and try logig in using your new password.

I hope this helps, I've done this before but using Windows XP

Member Avatar for avadhraj12

Thanks for the link will it work for windows7 also....

Member Avatar for colinredhead

Ive forgotton my logon password to my computer. Ive tried password recovery tools but they dont work. I get a message saying sam databases not found, but i still cant logon. Can anyone help me with this problem I dont want to have to reinstall

Have you tried ERD Commander?

Member Avatar for jbug

i need help finding my admin password for windows vista? i cant make any downloads and dont have a reset disk and any thing i try does not work.... does anyone know what i should do?

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