Windows 7 has an in-built option to create password recovery disk to log into system in case a user
forgot Windows 7 password. You may know that Windows 7 keeps the administrator account concealed unless you activate it from Local Users and Groups or by using net user administrator /active:yes command in CMD. Using the admin account, you can easily log in to system and reset admin, standard and guest accounts' passwords. However, in a worst case scenario, where you don't have a password reset disk nor have access to administrator account, Ubuntu Live media disc may help. In this post, we will guide you through step-by-step procedure of resetting and changing Windows 7 administrator, standard and guest user account password.
While Ubuntu Live CD is widely used to troubleshoot PC problems, you can use it to
reset Windows 7 password as well. The process requires creating a Ubuntu Live CD or Live USB, and then booting it to gain full system access for resetting forgotten Windows password.
Step 1: Create a Bootable Ubuntu Live USB
To get started, grab Universal USB Installer, and then download Ubuntu 10.10 (32-bit or 64-bit) from here. Launch Universal USB Installer, select Ubuntu 10.10 from drop-down menu, and then click Browse to select the Ubuntu ISO file. Now, select the USB drive letter and set the persistent file size. Once all settings are in place, click Create to begin creating a bootable Ubuntu Live USB.
Step 2: Boot from Ubuntu Live USB
After the Ubuntu Live USB is created, reboot your PC and access computer BIOS by pressing ESC, F2, F10, F9 or other system defined key. Head over to Boot menu and set USB/Removable Hard disk as first boot option. Once boot priority is changed, save the changes and reboot the system. From boot menu, choose Run Ubuntu from this USB option to load Ubuntu 10.10.
Step 3: Install Chntpw
Once your booted into Ubuntu, hit Ctrl + Alt + T to open a Terminal window. I know this may seem a little scary but it is actually quite easy. Once this window is open, simply type sudo apt-get install chntpw and hit Enter. It should download and install the program without needing further assistance. Once it's finished and your back at the regular prompt, simply type exit and hit Enter. Now you should be back on the Desktop.
Step 4: Reset Windows 7 Password
Now, you need to mount the hard disk partition where Windows 7 is installed. You will be able to access all the removable drives and hard disk partitions from Places menu. Open all partitions to find the drive with Windows folder. When you find it, make a note of the drive's label that appears in the menu bar of the file browser. Once the drive with Windows folder is mounted, open Applications menu from panel, and select Terminal from Accessories menu.. Then follow the instructions.
Once you've changed the user account password, reboot your system, and plug out Ubuntu Live USB. If you've just reset the admin password, Windows will not prompt you to enter the password. However, if you changed the password, use the new password to log in to Windows.
