when I try to use the instructions to run as local administrator in order to get back Windows update, I only know of one password for this computer--I am the only user so I thought I iwas the administrator. when I get the only two names that can use this computer I put in the password that I use to get into the computer when I start it up--but it says there is an error and that is as far as I can get--How can I determine if I am the administrator and what the correct password should be?
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To restore your system to the default Administrator with no password:
Download a boot disk from here: http://www.bootdisk.com/bo
Use the downloaded image to create the boot disk. Then boot up your system from this disk.
Now navigate to %systemroot%\system32\conf
Rename sam.log (by typing REN SAM.LOG SAMLOG.ORG) and rename sam.exe (by typing REN SAM.EXE SAMEXE.ORG)
Now when you boot up the password on your built-in administrator account will be blank (No password).
This solution works only if your hard drive is FAT.
ref: http://windows.about.com/l
Also check this:
http://www.winnetmag.com/A
http://www.thomasmathiesen
http://www.1000files.com/g
If this is XP home boot to safe mode and and do not enter a password. See if that gets you what you are after. I would suggest not deleting the SAM because if you do all you your acconts will be wiped out. if need be do this
See if this helps
Most of these are bootable floppies that give you a backdoor to the SAM registry hive and allows you change the admins password.
--------------------------
Free stuff
Instructions
This is a utility to (re)set the password of any user that has a valid (local) account on your NT system, by modifying the crypted password in the registrys SAM file.
http://home.eunet.no/~pnor
image files
http://home.eunet.no/~pnor
http://home.eunet.no/~pnor
http://home.eunet.no/~pnor
====================
Another one
Change administrator password on NT/2000, without knowing it!!! Bootdisk...
http://www.thomasmathiesen
image file
http://www.thomasmathiesen
image writer
http://www.thomasmathiesen
====================
Another one
Offline NT Password and Registry Editor
http://www.pc-pipeline.com
Download it here
http://www.pc-pipeline.com
Run it to create a boot floppy then follow the instructions. If you choose to do this then you are doing this at your own risk. Just change the admin pw and login then change the account pw's that you desire.
Make sure you have a floppy disk in the floppy drive and let the program create the boot floppy. Now restart the machine a let it boot from the floppy. Now follow what it instructs you to do.
Use it like a bootdisk.
Another one
NTFS/FAT Boot disk for password recovery/reset
http://www.pchelplive.com/
--------------------------
NTAccess can replace the administrator password of a Windows XP, Windows NT or Windows 2000 system by rebooting the computer with a special set of boot disks or CD-ROM (XP only). This is useful if you forgot the administrator password and cannot access the Windows XP/2000/NT system.
http://www.sunbeltsoftware
The Password Auditing and Recovery Application
http://www.atstake.com/res
L0phtCrack, The integrated password cracker for NT
http://www.securiteam.com/
ERD Commander
http://www.winternals.com/
When your server or workstation won't boot, you need ERD Commander 2003. ERD Commander 2003 boots dead systems directly from CD into a Windows-like environment. You'll have full access to the dead system's volumes, so you can diagnose and repair problems using tools located on the ERD Commander 2003 Start menu. And you'll have built-in network access to safely move data off of, or on to, the dead system. The Locksmith utility allows you to quickly reset the Administrator password on locked-out systems. With ERD Commander 2003 you can repair a system quickly and easily, saving you time and rescuing your critical data.
--------------------------
For XP
Windows XP Tip: Password Recovery Disk
Take preventive measures against losing user-level passwords
http://www.techtv.com/call
The Crazy One
The point being here is it is unlikely that your XP setup is using FAT32 which if you follow sirbounties post you will understand that what was proposed will not work on NTFS systems. As a matter of fact if it is FAT32 all you need is the Win98 boot disk to accomplish what has been proposed by him. Otherwise it is to your benifit not to mess with removing the SAM registry hive and just hack the admin password and change it. Do not ever delete the SAM hive unless you only have one maybe two user accounts. When you delete the SAM hive you remove all users account and will have to rebuild them.
Business Accounts
Answer for Membership
by: CrazyOnePosted on 2004-05-28 at 19:02:06ID: 11185282
Control Panel > user accounts
well tell you what group you belong to.