Windows Vista Administrators User Account...?

Question

...I am having problems with my Windows Vista Administrators User account password. For some reason it won't recognise my password. I only have one password, so I haven't got it wrong. I haven't got Caps Lock or Number lock on. I have tried F5'ing to get into safe mode to change the password that way, but when I select safe mode, it just takes me straight to my start-up page with no option to go into my administration log on in order to change the password. I have been at this for hours, so all help gratefully received....

How do I do a sytem restore?

Answer 1

From what you're saying, I believe your problem is that you can't log onto the desktop to change your password, not matter if you boot into safe mode or not.
Well, with Windows Vista there isn't too many options, because it's very strict about security.
First, try your best to remember the password. If you can't then try to get access to another computer and search for a default password for your computer. Sometimes there will be one. If not then on the other computer, try downloading a password recovery software, such as Ophcrack (link below).
If you can't do that then, you're going to have to do a re-format of Vista, which is completely erase everything and start over.

good luck

Answer 2

If you can get in as a ';normal' user, then copy everything yoiu want to keep to DVD and then re-install Vista.

If you can't get in at all, take out the hard drive, find a second PC and plug the hard drive in as an additional drive (so it comes up as D:) .. then extract what you want to keep.

You can search for "Vista Password crack" on the web but I doubt you will find much .. (I would not expect Ophcrack to work on Vista ..)

Answer 3

Try doing a system restore for now to say yesterday. As I have already said this has happened to me twice. I think something happens that corrupts your password and if you do a system restore to the day before (or when your password was working ok) it might work. It is worth a try isnt it, otherwise I think you will have to do a system recovery!