Cannot change user password in System Recovery

rando1000 · 14 Jun 2011

I'm working on a Windows 7 laptop for which the user has forgotten the password. So, putting my windows 7 DVD in, I boot into System Recovery and go to a command window. I try to change the user password for "User X" as it displays at login, and the system kindly informs me "User X" doesn't exist.

Using net user, I see that the only two users that exist are "Administrator" and "Guest". So, I activate administrator using "net user administrator /activate:yes". Then I change the password of administrator.

Rebooting into safe mode, I find "User X" and "Guest" still my only options. I try the password I set for administrator (since User X doesn't exist), but that doesn't work.

Any ideas?

Brink · 14 Jun 2011

Hello Rando,

You might see if you may be able to reset the password using Method Three in the tutorial below instead.

Reset User Account Password - Vista Forums

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Bare Foot Kid · 14 Jun 2011

Hello mate.

Here's another method, have a look Option Three in this guide at the link below and be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.

Password Reset Options in Windows 7