asked on

Forgotten Local Admin Password

I un-joined my desktop machine from my domain, however when trying to log back into the machine either I forgot the local admin password or it was changed without my knowledge. How do I change the local admin password now?

Ess Kay

try 'password'

Ess Kay

Basically, you can do one of 3

1. Keep Guessing
2. Crack windows (there are plenty of programs online to remove windows password or crack password)
3. Reinstall OS
4. (will probably not work)- Import Admin user from another computer

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

theras2000

membership

This solution is only available to members.

To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.

Start Free Trial

Ess Kay

Indeed, you can install windows without deleting data,

..that is if you install it into the current directory without deleteing the harddrive

Brian Pierce

The tool I have always recommended in the past - with many satisfied clients is http://pogostick.net/~pnh/ntpasswd/

jeffiepoo

Start the machine up in safe mode, and try to login to the local machine with credentials:

administrator
password: blank

Don Thomson

Have you tried to log into the PC using administrator@mydomainlocal and the server password

Just taking the machine off the network doesn't mean you can't get it to recognize
Also if the machine was only ever used by one user - then there may still be a profile alive for the original user - hopefully without a password. If that works - you can only get to the Administrator's local profile in safe mode.

msarjono

There's a freeware program called PCLoginNow. Just make it boot via cd/usb, then reset the password of any account in your windows, including admin account that you want using the program.