The fist thing needed to reset your password is to create our start-up (boot) device (USB or CD/DVD), using a working computer. You will use this to start your computer with the forgotten password. Rather than booting into Windows, you boot into our software to display your usernames. You then select the username you need to reset from this list. Complete these steps first, until you have reached the point where you are prompted for an activation key. A blank USB thumb-drive or CD/DVD-R and working computer are needed.
It's important that you DO NOT download directly to the CD/DVD or USB drive, it MUST be downloaded to the computer first. At this point, you then run the file so it launches and creates a proper boot disc. If you Download a file to the CD or USB directly, it will not work. We recommend reading through the instructions below first, to better understand of what's required. Screen-shots are also provided so you can see what each step looks like as you go. Be sure to click the blue bar to expand all the instructions.
PLEASE CHOOSE THE BOOT DEVICE YOU WILL CREATE
Note:. The new version 4.0 is a larger file and takes more time to complete the process, but has greater compatibility with the latest hardware used on the new Windows 8 computers. We recommend using version 4.0 unless you have a very slow internet connection.
System Requirements: Before you begin, you will need a blank CD/DVD-R type disk, or USB Flashdrive. (Do no use -RW discs) You must use a computer that you can log in as a normal administrative user. Logging in as Guest or a limited user will not allow you to download and create the bootable disc/device.
Description: This file will install the setup program needed to create your bootable USB thumb-drive or CD/DVD disc. The boot (start-up) device, can be inserted into the drive of the computer with the forgotten password, and then when the computer is turned on, will initiate the password removal process needed to unlock your Windows account so you can log in. Be sure to follow all directions closely.
Single click blue button below to expand full instructions including File Download.
Double click on PWR_4_Std icon/file to launch the program.
If you receive a Windows warning, the software is safe and you can click the appropriate button to continue.
If you are at all unsure, please feel free to contact us or even call if it's during regular hours 9am to 6pm PST.
The following prompt windows will appear, on the first one click Install:
Create Desktop Shortcut Icon, click Next:
Destination Folder, click Next:
Welcome to Excelsior Installer for Password Reset 4, click Next:
Installation Complete, click Finish:
Installing, do nothing and wait for installation to complete. The installation will take less than a minute.
When installation is complete you should have an icon on your desktop that looks like this below. Double click the icon to launch our setup program. If you receive a Windows warning, the software is safe and you can click the appropriate button to continue:
Choose which type of boot device you are creating, USB or CD/DVD:
Insert a blank CD-R or USB flash-drive. A DVD-R can be used if the burner is DVD compatible and the drive in the forgotten password computer is compatible as well:
CD & DVD VERSION (USB Instructions Below)
Click the Begin burning button:
CD/DVD is being created:
CD/DVD created successfully:
USB VERSION
Verify that the correct USB Flash-drive is showing and then click Begin copying:
Warning! If your USB drive has any files on it, you will see the screen above. If you are okay with your files being overwritten click the Erase button and continue. If you don't want to lose your files, back up the drive first or use a different drive.
Prompt to erase any pre-existing data on the flash-drive, to proceed click Erase USB Device:
Confirm erasing data on flash-drive, click Yes to confirm:
USB device is being created:
USB device created successfully:
RUNNING YOUR RECOVERY CD, DVD, or USB DEVICE
Insert your CD/DVD or USB Flash-drive into the computer with the forgotten password. Restart the machine and change your BIOS setting if necessary so it is set to boot from your CD/DVD drive or USB
port prior to the hard drive.
If the disc starts up successfully, you will end up at a Windows Desktop containing the ntpwedit file shown below. This indicates that the software is compatible and is now guaranteed to remove the forgotten password.
You will need to purchase our activation key in order to continue. Click to order your key, dont worry a new window will open. You can return to this window when your purchase is complete.
Once you have purchased your key, double click the ntpwedit icon to launch the password removal program.
Enter the activation key you received following your purchase as the password. The image below shows a sample password of abc123, your actual key will be different:
Once the password tool launches, click the Open button in order to display the list of usernames on this computer:
Locate the username you wish to reset from this list. In our example, we will reset the username Thadd:
Select the name by clicking on it, the name will become highlighted. Then click the Change password button:
You will see 2 blank boxes for entering a new password. Leave both boxes blank and click OK so the password is removed rather than changing it. You can add a new password once you are logged back in:
Once you click OK, you will then be able to click the Save changes button as shown below. You must click this button in order for the password reset to be saved permanently:
Now you can click Exit so the program closes:
The last step is to restart the computer using the Reboot button located in the Start Menu. The Shut down button near the bottom will not respond to clicks, you must use the Reboot button. Be sure to remove the CD/DVD or USB drive prior to restarting the computer to avoid it from booting again.
System Requirements: Before you begin, you will need a blank CD/DVD-R type disk, or USB Flashdrive. (Do no use -RW discs) You must use a computer that you can log in as a normal administrative user. Logging in as Guest or a limited user will not allow you to download and create the bootable CD disk.
Description: This program, once downloaded and launched to create the boot (start-up) disc, can be inserted into the CD drive of your computer with the forgotten password, and then when the computer is turned on, will initiate the password removal process needed to unlock your Windows account so you can log in. Be sure to follow all directions closely.
Single Click blue button below to expand full instructions including File Download.
After the file has downloaded, if you are automatically prompted to Run or Save, click Run. If not prompted find the file at the location where you saved it, or near the edge of your browser window, where Chrome & others display recently downloaded files. Double click on the file name to launch if needed.
You may see a security warning window appear. Password Reset is guaranteed to be safe. Click "Run".
If you are at all unsure, please feel free to contact us or even call if it's during regular hours 9am to 6pm PST.
Once you click Run the following prompt window will appear, click Start:
You will be prompted to insert a blank disk. You will need a blank CD-R type disk. Only a blank CD-R type disk will work. Once disk is inserted, click OK.
The CD will begin to burn and when it is finished, you will see the window below and the disk will eject.
In some rare instances a warning about the program not installing properly may appear, but it actually has don't worry. Just click on the green arrow and words that say, "This program installed correctly" or X out of the window.
To be sure your disk burned correctly, here is a screen shot of what files will be in the directory on the CD when you open it to view the files it contains (3) - LICENSE.PDF, MANUAL.PDF, PWR-STD_8.1-2010.TXT :
Remove your completed boot recovery CD from the tray.
RUNNING YOUR RECOVERY CD
Start by inserting your newly created CD into the computer and powering it up. If you see the screen below skip to #3.
If you did not see the screen above when booting up, shut down your computer. You will need to set it so the computer looks to the CD drive for boot instructions first, rather than the hard drive. Immediately after you restart/boot your computer again, quickly tap one of the following keys. F12, F10, F2, Esc or Del. Try each one till you find the one that brings up a Boot Menu. You can also watch your screen within the first couple seconds for whichever button accesses your Boot Device Menu. Follow your systems prompts to choose the appropriate drive to boot from. If after completing this step you get the screen above, skip to #3. If not do the following steps:
Watch for a "entering setup" message in the first few seconds after turning on your computer. This message varies greatly from computer to computer and also includes the key or keys you need to press to enter BIOS. Most common keys are F1, F2, & F10. Some older systems will require a combination of keys.
Press the key required to enter your BIOS setup utility.
Once you have opened up the BIOS dialog screen, look for the section that says "Boot Order" or "Boot Priority".
There you will need to set the CD (possibly DVD or optical drive) to boot prior to the hard drive. This is the normal setup for a computer with a CD or DVD player, so don't worry about messing anything up.
The BIOS screen will give you some directions to the side of the screen on how to navigate the BIOS and make changes. It will also tell you how to save those changes so they take effect.
If the boot directory order changes correctly, upon exiting and restarting your computer (with the recovery device still in its proper drive) you should finally be able to see the welcome screen above and be able to proceed with step #3.
If you are still having trouble, there is a Boot Priority topic on our forum. Simply CLICK HERE for the forum's BIOS topic. You can also contact us via email at support@password-reset.com, through our support web form, or by phone at 949-340-7725. For the quickest response be sure to let us know your computers make and model number.
Once you have gotten the screen above for a few seconds, you will see either the splash screen below with the list of SAM files to choose from or the list of User names to choose from. Most systems will require C: unless partitioned for the SAM file - If you choose the wrong one you can go "back" and choose the right one. If there was only one SAM file to choose from, it will automatically load the User name list.
From the User name list, click on the name you want to reset, and then click OK. You will then be asked to confirm your choice, click Yes.
After clicking Yes, you will be prompted for the activation key to reset the password.
By reaching this point, the software is compatible with your system and guaranteed to remove your password. You can now purchase the activation key Risk Free! The key can be purchased by going to our purchase page to purchase your activation key. When you have completed the purchase of your activation key, enter it into the space labeled Key, and click OK.
If the correct activation key is entered, you will then get the Success message below.
Your password has now been reset, click Reboot in order to restart you computer and go to the Windows login screen. It will then ask to you confirm reboot, click Yes.
You will then be reminded to remove the Password Reset disc or USB drive from your computer so it does not boot back to our software again. Remove our software disc and Click OK.
Your computer will now reboot back to the Windows login screen and a password will no longer be needed to log in. If you are prompted for a password, leave the password field blank and click Enter.
If you still are having trouble, please see our support page for additional assistance and information or click below to order a recovery CD and/or USB device preloaded with the Password-Reset software needed to recover your password!
USB - Before you begin you will need a blank USB drive (4GB or less). Any files on the USB drive will be overwritten & lost, PLEASE BACK UP ANY FILES ON USB first if needed. You must use a computer that you can login as a normal administrative user. Logging in as Guest or a limited user will not allow you to download and create the bootable USB drive.
FLOPPY DISC - If using a Floppy Disc, you will need a blank 3.5 inch 1.44 floppy disc. You must use a computer that you can login as a normal administrative user. Logging in as Guest or a limited user will not allow you to download and create the bootable USB drive or floppy disc.
Description: This program once downloaded and burned to a USB drive or floppy disc, can be inserted and then when the computer is turned on during booting up will initiate the password reset recovery needed to unlock your Windows administrative login.
Single Click blue button below to expand full instructions including File Download.
DOWNLOADING & CREATING YOUR RESET USB FLASH-DRIVE (or floppy disc)
Insert a blank USB drive (4GB or less) or blank 3.5 inch 1.44 floppy disc. You will more than likely see the following prompt. Note that the name and file drive of your USB device may be different:
Please make sure all other programs are closed and not running. Exit out of any dialog boxes such as the USB Auto-play prompt above or any other box that shows the content of the drive. Leaving these up will cause the process to fail.
After the file has downloaded if you are automatically prompted to Run or Save, click Run. If not prompted find the file at the bottom of your browser or where ever you saved it then double click on the file name.
You may see a security warning window appear. Password Reset is guaranteed to be safe. Click "Run".
If you are still unsure, read our testimonials here.
Once you click Run the following prompt window will appear to choose your device. For a USB version click on the USB tab, or for the floppy disc version click on the Floppy tab:
You will be prompted to choose where your device is located. Select or type in the appropriate drive letter associated with your chosen device and click OK:
Any files left on the USB drive while following these instructions will be overwritten & lost, PLEASE BACK UP ANY FILES ON USB somewhere else first. The next prompt will make sure you remember to do this. If you have to stop and save these files elsewhere, you will need to repeat steps 5 and 6:
You will be asked to confirm one or more steps, continue clicking OK. The following splash screen below will come up. (USB version only)
After about 20 to 30 seconds (2 to 3 minutes for the floppy version), the Finished! box will pop up for the USB device, Click OK, Password Reset will close and your boot device will be ready. For the floppy disc, the little dialog window with the counting % bar disappears the disc is finished.
In some rare instances a warning about the program not installing properly may appear, but it actually has don't worry. Just click on the green arrow and words that say, "This program installed correctly" or X out of the window.
To be sure your USB was written correctly (SEE #13 for floppy disc directory content), here is a screen shot of what files will be in the directory when you open it to view the files it contains (14) - A692C172.000, CTMOUSE.EXE, CURSOR.PCX, CWSDPME.SWP, CWSDPRO.EXE, CWSPARAM.EXE, KERNEL.SYS, LICENSE.PDF, MANUAL.PDF, NOTEBOOK.PCX, NTFS.EXE, NTSAM.CFG, NTSAM.EXE, PWR-STD_8.1-2010.TXT :
To be sure your floppy disc was written correctly, here is a screen shot of what files will be in the directory when you open it to view the files it contains (14) - CTMOUSE.EXE, CURSOR.PCX, CWSDPMI.EXE, CWSDPRO.EXE, CWSPARAM.EXE, KERNEL.SYS, NOTEBOOK.PCX, NTFS.EXE, NTSAM.CFG, ntsam.exe :
RUNNING YOUR RECOVERY USB
Start by inserting your newly created USB flash-drive into the computer and powering it up. If you see the screen below skip to #3.
If you did not see the screen above when booting up, shut down your computer. You will need to set it so the computer looks to the USB flash-drive for boot instructions first, rather than the hard drive. Immediately after you restart/boot your computer again, quickly tap one of the following keys. F12, F10, F2, Esc or Del. Try each one till you find the one that brings up a Boot Menu. You can also watch your screen within the first couple seconds for whichever button accesses your Boot Device Menu. Follow your systems prompts to choose the appropriate drive to boot from. If after completing this step you get the screen above, skip to #3. If not do the following steps:
Watch for a "entering setup" message in the first few seconds after turning on your computer. This message varies greatly from computer to computer and also includes the key or keys you need to press to enter BIOS. Most common keys are F1, F2, & F10. Some older systems will require a combination of keys.
Press the key required to enter your BIOS setup utility.
Once you have opened up the BIOS dialog screen, look for the section that says "Boot Order" or "Boot Priority".
There you will need to set the CD (possibly DVD or optical drive) to boot prior to the hard drive. This is the normal setup for a computer with a CD or DVD player, so don't worry about messing anything up.
The BIOS screen will give you some directions to the side of the screen on how to navigate the BIOS and make changes. It will also tell you how to save those changes so they take effect.
If the boot directory order changes correctly, upon exiting and restarting your computer (with the recovery device still in its proper drive) you should finally be able to see the welcome screen above and be able to proceed with step #3.
If you are still having trouble, there is a Boot Priority topic on our forum. Simply CLICK HERE for the forum's BIOS topic. You can also contact us via email at support@password-reset.com, through our support web form, or by phone at 949-340-7725. For the quickest response be sure to let us know your computers make and model number.
Once you have gotten the screen above for a few seconds, you will see either the splash screen below with the list of SAM files to choose from or the list of User names to choose from. Most systems will require C: unless partitioned for the SAM file - If you choose the wrong one you can go "back" and choose the right one. If there was only one SAM file to choose from, it will automatically load the User name list.
From the User name list, click on the name you want to reset, and then click OK. You will then be asked to confirm your choice, click Yes.
After clicking Yes, you will be prompted for the activation key to reset the password.
By reaching this point, the software is compatible with your system and guaranteed to remove your password. You can now purchase the activation key Risk Free! The key can be purchased by going to our purchase page to purchase your activation key. When you have completed the purchase of your activation key, enter it into the space labeled Key, and click OK..
If the correct activation key is entered, you will then get the Success message below.
Your password has now been reset, click Reboot in order to restart you computer and go to the Windows login screen. It will then ask to you confirm reboot, click Yes.
You will then be reminded to remove the Password Reset disc or USB drive from your computer so it does not boot back to our software again. Remove our software disc and Click OK.
Your computer will now reboot back to the Windows login screen and a password will no longer be needed to log in. If you are prompted for a password, leave the password field blank and click Enter.
If you still are having trouble, please see our support page for additional assistance and information or click below to order a recovery CD and/or USB device preloaded with the Password-Reset software needed to recover your password!
System Requirements: Before you begin you will need a blank CD-R type disc. Only a blank CD-R type disc will work (CD-RW will not work). You must use a computer that you can login as a normal administrative user. Logging in as Guest or a limited user will not allow you to download and create the bootable CD disc.
Description: Once downloaded and burned to a CD-R disc, can be inserted in to the CD drive and then when the computer is turned on during booting up will initiate the password reset recovery needed to unlock your Windows administrative login.
DOWNLOADING & CREATING YOUR RECOVERY CD
Download the two files below and save them to your desktop. If you are familiar with burning ISO images, you will only need to download the first file and use your own software program to create the CD. Otherwise follow the continued instructions using our recommended program to burn the ISO image to create your Password-Reset recovery CD.
Use these instructions if you are using our burn_cd.exe (file #2) software to create your CD
Get a blank CD-R disc and have it ready.
Run Burn CD by double-clicking on Burn_CD.exe, it should be located on your desktop.
You may see a security warning window appear. Password Reset is guaranteed to be safe. Click "Run".
In BurnCD's main window, click "Browse".
In the Open window, locate the PWR_Image.iso file located on your desktop, select it and click on "Open" - You will return to the main window.
To ensure a clean burn, we suggest sliding the "Speed" selection down to about half way, then click "Start".
Your disc drawer should open up, if not you will need to open it. Insert a blank CD-R disc in to the tray. (Only a blank CD-R type disc will work. Do not use a CD-RW!) Close your disc drawer and click "Ok".
After the burning process is finished, the disc should automatically eject from the drawer. If you reinsert the disc, it should now display a License.pdf file, Manual.pdf file and a .text file. The operating files will be hidden.
In some rare instances a warning about the program not installing properly may appear, but it actually has don't worry. Just click on the green arrow and words that say, "This program installed correctly" or X out of the window.
RUNNING YOUR RECOVERY CD
Start by inserting your newly created device into the computer and powering it up (CD, USB, or Floppy Disk). If you see the screen below skip to #3.
If you did not see the screen above when booting up, shut down your computer. You will need to set it so the computer looks to the CD drive for boot instructions first, rather than the hard drive. Immediately after you restart/boot your computer again, quickly tap one of the following keys. F12, F10, F2, Esc or Del. Try each one till you find the one that brings up a Boot Menu. You can also watch your screen within the first couple seconds for whichever button accesses your Boot Device Menu. Follow your systems prompts to choose the appropriate drive to boot from. If after completing this step you get the screen above, skip to #3. If not do the following steps:
Watch for a "entering setup" message in the first few seconds after turning on your computer. This message varies greatly from computer to computer and also includes the key or keys you need to press to enter BIOS. Most common keys are F1, F2, & F10. Some older systems will require a combination of keys.
Press the key required to enter your BIOS setup utility.
Once you have opened up the BIOS dialog screen, look for the section that says "Boot Order" or "Boot Priority".
There you will need to set the CD (possibly DVD or optical drive) to boot prior to the hard drive. This is the normal setup for a computer with a CD or DVD player, so don't worry about messing anything up.
The BIOS screen will give you some directions to the side of the screen on how to navigate the BIOS and make changes. It will also tell you how to save those changes so they take effect.
If the boot directory order changes correctly, upon exiting and restarting your computer (with the recovery device still in its proper drive) you should finally be able to see the welcome screen above and be able to proceed with step #3.
If you are still having trouble, there is a Boot Priority topic on our forum. Simply CLICK HERE for the forum's BIOS topic. You can also contact us via email at support@password-reset.com, through our support web form, or by phone at 949-340-7725. For the quickest response be sure to let us know your computers make and model number.
Once you have gotten the screen above for a few seconds, you will see either the splash screen below with the list of SAM files to choose from or the list of User names to choose from. Most systems will require C: unless partitioned for the SAM file - If you choose the wrong one you can go "back" and choose the right one. If there was only one SAM file to choose from, it will automatically load the User name list.
From the User name list, click on the name you want to reset, and then click OK. You will then be asked to confirm your choice, click Yes.
After clicking Yes, you will be prompted for the activation key to reset the password.
By reaching this point, the software is compatible with your system and guaranteed to remove your password. You can now purchase the activation key Risk Free! The key can be purchased by going to our purchase page to purchase your activation key. When you have completed the purchase of your activation key, enter it into the space labeled Key, and click OK..
If the correct activation key is entered, you will then get the Success message below.
Your password has now been reset, click Reboot in order to restart you computer and go to the Windows login screen. It will then ask to you confirm reboot, click Yes.
You will then be reminded to remove the Password Reset disc or USB drive from your computer so it does not boot back to our software again. Remove our software disc and Click OK.
Your computer will now reboot back to the Windows login screen and a password will no longer be needed to log in. If you are prompted for a password, leave the password field blank and click Enter.
If you still are having trouble, please see our support page for additional assistance and information or click below to order a recovery CD and/or USB device preloaded with the Password-Reset software needed to recover your password!
System Requirements: Before you begin you will need a blank CD-R type disc. Only a blank CD-R type disc will work (CD-RW will not work). You must use a computer that you can login as a normal administrative user. Logging in as Guest or a limited user will not allow you to download and create the bootable CD disc.
Description: Once downloaded and burned to a CD-R disc, can be inserted in to the CD drive and then when the computer is turned on during booting up will initiate the password reset recovery needed to unlock your Windows administrative login.
Using your Finder or double clicking the hard drive icon on your desktop, go to Applications then > Utilities then > Disk Utility and double click to open.
Click on Images and choose Burn from the drop down list.
Using the popup Finder, locate the PWR_Image.iso file you saved to your computer desktop. Click Burn.
You may see a security warning window appear. Password Reset is guaranteed to be safe. Click "Run".
You will be prompted to insert a blank disc - Insert a blank CD-R only - a CD-RW will not work. Click Burn.
Your CD will begin burning, first writing, then verifying. Do not skip verifying.
When the CD is finished burning you will get a prompt telling you it was successful and the CD will eject automatically.
In some rare instances a warning about the program not installing properly may appear, but it actually has don't worry. Just click on the green arrow and words that say, "This program installed correctly" or X out of the window.
Re-insert the disc, and when it shows up as an icon on your desktop, double click it to verify it's contents. It should now display a License.pdf file, Manual.pdf file and a .text file. The operating files will be hidden.
RUNNING YOUR RECOVERY CD
Start by inserting your newly created device into the computer and powering it up (CD, USB, or Floppy Disc). If you see the screen below skip to #3.
If you did not see the screen above when booting up, shut down your computer. You will need to set it so the computer looks to the CD drive for boot instructions first, rather than the hard drive. Immediately after you restart/boot your computer again, quickly tap one of the following keys. F12, F10, F2, Esc or Del. Try each one till you find the one that brings up a Boot Menu. You can also watch your screen within the first couple seconds for whichever button accesses your Boot Device Menu. Follow your systems prompts to choose the appropriate drive to boot from. If after completing this step you get the screen above, skip to #3. If not do the following steps:
Watch for a "entering setup" message in the first few seconds after turning on your computer. This message varies greatly from computer to computer and also includes the key or keys you need to press to enter BIOS. Most common keys are F1, F2, & F10. Some older systems will require a combination of keys.
Press the key required to enter your BIOS setup utility.
Once you have opened up the BIOS dialog screen, look for the section that says "Boot Order" or "Boot Priority".
There you will need to set the CD (possibly DVD or optical drive) to boot prior to the hard drive. This is the normal setup for a computer with a CD or DVD player, so don't worry about messing anything up.
The BIOS screen will give you some directions to the side of the screen on how to navigate the BIOS and make changes. It will also tell you how to save those changes so they take effect.
If the boot directory order changes correctly, upon exiting and restarting your computer (with the recovery device still in its proper drive) you should finally be able to see the welcome screen above and be able to proceed with step #3.
If you are still having trouble, there is a Boot Priority topic on our forum. Simply CLICK HERE for the forum's BIOS topic. You can also contact us via email at support@password-reset.com, through our support web form, or by phone at 949-340-7725. For the quickest response be sure to let us know your computers make and model number.
Once you have gotten the screen above for a few seconds, you will see either the splash screen below with the list of SAM files to choose from or the list of User names to choose from. Most systems will require C: unless partitioned for the SAM file - If you choose the wrong one you can go "back" and choose the right one. If there was only one SAM file to choose from, it will automatically load the User name list.
From the User name list, click on the name you want to reset, and then click OK. You will then be asked to confirm your choice, click Yes.
After clicking Yes, you will be prompted for the activation key to reset the password.
By reaching this point, the software is compatible with your system and guaranteed to remove your password. You can now purchase the activation key Risk Free! The key can be purchased by going to our purchase page to purchase your activation key. When you have completed the purchase of your activation key, enter it into the space labeled Key, and click OK..
If the correct activation key is entered, you will then get the Success message below.
Your password has now been reset, click Reboot in order to restart you computer and go to the Windows login screen. It will then ask to you confirm reboot, click Yes.
You will then be reminded to remove the Password Reset disc or USB drive from your computer so it does not boot back to our software again. Remove our software disc and Click OK.
Your computer will now reboot back to the Windows login screen and a password will no longer be needed to log in. If you are prompted for a password, leave the password field blank and click Enter.
If you still are having trouble, please see our support page for additional assistance and information or click below to order a recovery CD and/or USB device preloaded with the Password-Reset software needed to recover your password!