Member Avatar for explodinghead75

I'm doing tech support and I want to be able to reset XP passwords without reinstalling XP but I tried the Linux boot disk that is supposed to reset the password and the drivers load but then it doesn't show any partitions for some reason (I'm assuming it doesn't have the correct drivers for my Compaq). This is the only computer I've tried it on, but I'm wondering is there anything else I can do if this happens?

Also, if worst comes to worst, and I have to reinstall XP, could I put the the hard drive in my computer, boot from my hard drive, and backup files?

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Godsp3ed

Dani AI

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A few practical follow-ups that build on the suggestions from and and answer 's "what if the LiveCD can't see partitions" question.

The usual reasons a Linux rescue/ password-reset CD shows no partitions on a Compaq are: the SATA controller is in AHCI/RAID (fakeraid) mode and the live image lacks that driver, the disk is a Windows "dynamic" volume, or the partition/table is damaged or encrypted. Quick checks: see whether the BIOS detects the drive and what SATA mode is set to. Temporarily switching the controller to IDE/Compatibility can make older tools see the disk (but note this can stop Windows booting later).

If the goal is to get user files off the drive: remove the drive and attach it to a working PC as a secondary drive or via a USB/SATA adapter. Boot the host machine (do not let Windows initialize/format the drive if prompted), then copy the needed folders (Documents and Settings\<user>, Desktop, My Documents, Outlook .pst, browser profiles, etc.). If you get "Access denied", take ownership in Explorer (Properties → Security → Advanced → Owner) or from an elevated prompt grant Administrators full control. Example (XP-era command):

cacls "D:\Documents and Settings\username" /E /T /C /G Administrators:F

If you prefer to reset the XP local account without reinstalling, an offline SAM editor (for example the chntpw-based tools) can clear local passwords. Always image or copy System32\config\SAM before making changes. Important cautions: clearing a password will make EFS-encrypted files inaccessible, it won't work for domain accounts, and you must have explicit authorization from the machine owner before performing any password recovery or reset.

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Member Avatar for bobbyraw

if u can log on to wondows you can back up the password from the log on screen or through control panel user account and back up the pssword to a floppy or flash drive. to reset password you have to be logged on as an admin. then you can reset users passwords.

Member Avatar for explodinghead75

if u can log on to wondows you can back up the password from the log on screen or through control panel user account and back up the pssword to a floppy or flash drive. to reset password you have to be logged on as an admin. then you can reset users passwords.

Well maybe I should have explained better; usually the person calls me because they don't remember the password so they probably don't remember the administrator password either; meaning I can't start windows, as far as I know.

Member Avatar for bobbyraw

is this for a personal home PC.......there is no way around it, if u did not make a reset disk, you would have to do a clean install. thats it,

Member Avatar for TechTJ

Sorry to come in late i dont know if you figured it out or not. if you start in safe mode and can get into the administrators name that way if they never set a password for that, if you can get into that account i have a way you can reset the password.
Let me know
Tim.

Member Avatar for bobbyraw

@TJ
I have aa few ways i can get the password from any system but we are not suppose to discuss hacks and stuff like that, and at the same time if the wrong way is not spread it will encourage users to do the right thing.

Member Avatar for TechTJ

I understand completely. Sorry.

Best Regards
Tim

Member Avatar for hughv

In many cases there is no administrator password, so try that first. Just do an admin logon with no password.
Oph Crack has worked for me in the past:
http://ophcrack.sourceforge.net/

Member Avatar for explodinghead75

Sorry to come in late i dont know if you figured it out or not. if you start in safe mode and can get into the administrators name that way if they never set a password for that, if you can get into that account i have a way you can reset the password.
Let me know
Tim.

Thanks. Well I was asking for future reference. The last customer I helped I just had to reinstall windows XP, which should be a last resort. I believe I tried logging onto the administrator's account first.

Member Avatar for explodinghead75

@TJ
I have aa few ways i can get the password from any system but we are not suppose to discuss hacks and stuff like that, and at the same time if the wrong way is not spread it will encourage users to do the right thing.

I can understand if we're not supposed to discuss hacks, but I don't see what's wrong about getting a user back into their own account if they forgot their password. I know they should have been more responsible; but is it right for them to have to lose their data?

Member Avatar for explodinghead75

In many cases there is no administrator password, so try that first. Just do an admin logon with no password.
Oph Crack has worked for me in the past:
http://ophcrack.sourceforge.net/

Thanks, hughv. I may try that out on my own system.

Member Avatar for Godsp3ed

explodinghead75 i've sent you a PM :)

commented: 29th Nov 2007 - let's hope he isn't still waiting. -6
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