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Windows 7: Password Reset : Using System Restore in Windows 7


Password Reset : Using System Restore in Windows 7

How to Use System Restore to Change User Account Password
Published 20 Feb 2010
Published by
Bare Foot Kid's Avatar

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How to Use System Restore to Change your User Account Password
information   Information
This will show you how to use System Restore to reset the passwords of users to what they were for the date of the restore point in Windows 7.

This is helpful for the following reasons:
  • You set a new password for the Administrator account and no longer remember it.
  • You enter the correct password but because of system corruption it is not accepted.
  • You delete a protected Administrator account and are no longer able to log on to another account.
  • You change a protected Administrator account to a standard user account and are unable to log on to another Administrator account.
For more information, see: Microsoft Help and Support: KB940765


Note   Note
  • For this to work there must already be a valid restore point created to use from the last successful log on.
  • If you don't have a proper Windows installation disk, then you can create a System Repair Disk that can be used to reset your user account password in Windows 7.
warning   Warning
A System Restore will affect all users on the computer, and also uninstall programs and drivers that were installed after the date of the selected restore point.




Let's get Started!


1) The Boot Priority in the BIOS needs to be set to boot first from the optical drive, insert your Windows disk and re-start the PC, when you see "Press any key to boot from CD or DVD" press the space bar.

2) After the initial "Windows is loading files" select your language, time and keyboard preferences and click next, then select "Repair your computer", then it'll do some searching then choose "Syetem Restore".
Password Reset : Using System Restore in Windows 7-any-key-boot.jpg
Password Reset : Using System Restore in Windows 7-repair-computer.jpg
Password Reset : Using System Restore in Windows 7-system-restore.jpg
3) Remember you must select the restore point before you started experiencing the issues; once you have selected the correct restore point you'll be presented with one last chance before the restore begins, when you are sure everything is correct click next then finish.
Password Reset : Using System Restore in Windows 7-s7.jpg
Password Reset : Using System Restore in Windows 7-s8.jpg

4) When the System Restore "checkup" completes you'll get a "Confirm your Restore Point" window, click finish then yes to the next wimdow, then you will need to restart the machine to complete the process.
Password Reset : Using System Restore in Windows 7-s9.jpg
Password Reset : Using System Restore in Windows 7-s10.jpg
Password Reset : Using System Restore in Windows 7-s11.jpg
5) When the PC restarts remember you MUST use the password that was active for the Restore Point that you went back to. After Windows restarts you'll get a "System Restore Completed Successfully" window, just click close.
Password Reset : Using System Restore in Windows 7-s12.jpg
6) You may need to add back any programs and/or any Windows Updates that may have been removed during the restore process, you may also need to reset any personal settings that may have been changed but none of your personal documents or files will have been removed.

Enjoy









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20 Feb 2010   #1
iseeuu

 
Another useful idea! Another link to save for me.



Nice Ted.
My System SpecsSystem Spec

20 Feb 2010   #2
Bare Foot Kid

 
Thank you Robert.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
21 Feb 2010   #3
karlsnooks

 
WIN + F1 | Create a password reset disk

Which will also give you the opportunity to view:
Create a password reset disk


I mention this only as references you might want to add to your tutorial.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
.


21 Feb 2010   #4
Bare Foot Kid

 
Thank you but why would I need another when I have my own.

Password Reset Disk : Windows 7 / Vista


Besides, If you haven't created the reset disk BEFORE you get locked out, you can't create it once you are locked out.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
21 Feb 2010   #5
SIW2

 
LOL BFK - did you ever get locked out by forgetting your password?

Just curious as it seems to be an area of interest to you.

Nice tut again - good idea which will be helpful to the forgetful types.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
21 Feb 2010   #6
Bare Foot Kid

 
Quote   Quote: Originally Posted by SIW2 View Post
LOL BFK - did you ever get locked out by forgetting your password?

Just curious as it seems to be an area of interest to you.

Nice tut again - good idea which will be helpful to the forgetful types.

Hello SIW2, how've you been mate?


No I never have, just ideas that came to mind; thank you!
My System SpecsSystem Spec
21 Feb 2010   #7
WartHog

 
Another awesome Tutorial Big Brother.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
21 Feb 2010   #8
madtownidiot

 
Not having a password reset disk and/or a 2nd administrator account with a password that's easy to remember is about as intelligent as only having one set of keys for your car or house. Seems unnecessary until you need it, but then you really need it.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
22 Feb 2010   #9
Bare Foot Kid

 
Hello WartHog and madtownidiot, thanks guys!
My System SpecsSystem Spec
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