I reset my system back to the original settings and it is asking for the Log On info. Evidently I'm not remembering the correct information and I didn't write it down. How can I get into my system? My recovery disk won't work. I really need to get into my system so any help is appreciated.
W7/64
You can reset any password by going through the following steps. The process is involved and requires some careful typing. Ask a computer-savvy friend to assist you if you lack experience in this area.
1. Set your BIOS to use the DVD drive as the primary boot device.
2. Boot with a Windows Repair CD.
3. Press a key when the message indicating "Press any key to boot from CD or DVD …" appears.
4. Select a language, a time and currency, and a keyboard or input method, and then click Next. You are now in Repair Mode.
5. Select an Operating System, then click Next.
6. Select the Command Prompt.
7. Identify the correct drive letter for your Windows installation. It could be a drive other than C: but it won't be X:. You do it by typing the commands
dir C:\Win* {Enter}
dir D:\Win* {Enter}
dir E:\Win* {Enter}
etc.
until you find the Windows folder.
I will call that drive "Q:".
8. Type these commands:
cd /d Q:\windows\System32 {Enter}
move sethc.exe \ {Enter}
copy cmd.exe sethc.exe {Enter}
9. Reboot normally but hold down the Shift key permanently.
10. When challenged for a password, tap the Shift key five times. You will see a small black screen.
11. Type these commands:
net user {Enter}
(To see a list of all accounts that exist on your machine)
net user Administrator {Enter}
(To see if the Administrator account is active)
12. Type these commands:
net user "xxx" ppp {Enter}
(Replace xxx with the account for which you wish to set a new password, and ppp with the new password)
net user Administrator /active:yes {Enter}
(To activate the Administrator account if desired)
13. Log on under this account, using the new password.
14. Reboot the machine into Repair Mode as per Steps 1..6 above.
15. Type these commands:
cd /d Q:\windows\System32 {Enter}
copy \sethc.exe {Enter}
16. Reboot into Windows.
I tried booting from BIOS with a recovery disc but it didn't work. It just took me back to the sign in screen. The CD/DVD option is #1 in BIOS boot list/???
yes, the first boot device should be selected as CD/DVD and when the system starts to boot, it will give you the option to boot from DVD. I have mentioned the same in my above comment. you need to press a key to boot it from DVD.
Once you are in restore window, you can follow the steps mentioned above.
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