At some point or another in a PC technicians career, a client is going to forget their Windows password and its up to the computer technician to fix it. Essentially, we have to break into the clients computer for them. This is how we do it.

Note: These steps are designed for advanced computer users, and are not fluffed out explaining how to do simple computer tasks. These steps are also intended for breaking into a computer that you have permission to do so on. It is a offense to break into a computer if you are unauthorized. Besides, karma will get you if you do.. it always does.

How to Gain Access to a Windows User Account using Safe Mode:
The easiest way to gain access to a Windows based machine is to go into Safe mode. To get into Safe mode do the following steps:
While the computer is powering up, before the Windows logo screen, keep pressing F8 and you will be presented with some choices on how you want to boot. Choose Safe Mode.

Goto Start > Run and type: control userpasswords2

This will bring up a User Accounts screen. Select the user account you want access to and press the “Reset Password” button.

If the above didnt work for you. Try this step again but instead untick “Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer” and click Apply.

The system will then ask you what username you want the system to logon as by default, you can just leave the password blank or put something in if you want.

I found this and thought I’d blog about it. I know people might not want to know how to but it is a very useful tool when you have to reset someones password. Check the full article out at technibble.