Windows 7: How do I unlock admin with no admin access

So, here's what I did.
Fresh install of Windows 7 x64 Pro.
Default initial user is "Benjamin"
created a second user, "Adam"
created a third user, "root"

Next security setup.
I removed administrator privileges from Benjamin.
Adam was created with no administrator privileges.
root was given administrator privileges.

Then I went into the local security policy to deny root from logging into the system locally.



Well, I learned that yes, this prevents root from logging into his account as a desktop user, but I did not expect it to prevent me from temporarily escalating my privileges to administrator while logged in as Benjamin.

I'm used to a Linux environment where it is normal that root can not log in but you can escalate. Is it possible to regain control of my system or do I need to reinstall?

Thanks in advance,

WinInternals Locksmith or reinstall

Not sure if I'm reading this right but can't you just start in Safe Mode and log in as admin, because windows has a "hidden Admin Acct." or Safe Mode with command prompt and activate the "hidden Admin Acct." by using " net user administrator /active:yes " or

If you have a Windows 7 installation DVD (not a recovery DVD) you can boot the system with it. Select the default language, then choose "Repair your computer". Then select "Command Prompt". At the command prompt type:

net user administrator /active:yes [enter]

Remove the DVD, reboot the computer, and log into the built-in Administrator account.
Also check Here Built-in Administrator Account - Enable or Disable

Oh, I had not even thought about this method, either. I have used windows so infrequently since I moved to Linux primarily, i'm a little rusty with it.
This seems like an easy idea. I'll try this. Though, I DO want to try the other method as well. I'll try all the LOGICAL *coughs*crimson*/coughs* suggestions a go and i'll post results back, maybe by this weekend.

And a side note, Thank you crimson, this was a great read. I'm printing this thread and sharing it with my security classmates for discussion.

I see this thread is Marked "Solved" now! ... Did one of the above work for you? If so/not please reply back and post what did. Just in-case others might have the same issue.

Or you could try the Ultimate Booot CD for windows, it has a utility called NTPEdit that will change passwords

Oh hey, i see the thread was restored, thanks very much! The first method I tried to solve the issue was one suggestion that was removed from the original thread. I'll take that as a hint and just say this: just because I'm a dork (and I know how to unlock my system again easily now) I'll lock myself out again the way I did originally and try the other methods that are in this thread and post back with results

Glad you got your problem solved spezticle. By the way, we would all like to know how you got yourself back into your system --- I thought that was the whole purpose of restoring this thread --- to offer help to members with the same problem.

Of course, I've been a bit busy this week, it's been crazy busy.
I used the Offline Windows Password & Registry Editor from the following link
Offline Windows Password & Registry Editor
and
Reset lost Windows passwords with Offline Registry Editor | TechRepublic
is a great walkthrough for this application. Read the warnings, it's important. It should be used with caution.

I will try a few other methods to solve this same issue this weekend when I have more time to play around

Thanks to Windows 7 Forums - View Profile: Borg 386 for the original suggestin