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My parents forgot the username and password for there windows 2000 log in. Is ther a way that i can reset/delete the username and password without being able to get on the computer?

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This thread is about a Windows 2000 machine where the local account name and password were forgotten (original post by ). Two realistic recovery paths are commonly used: (1) access via an existing local Administrator account (often exposed differently in Safe Mode), or (2) perform an offline edit of the local SAM to blank/reset a local account password. pointed toward Safe Mode access; and mentioned third‑party tools and password removal—those are valid starting points, but there are important caveats below. (learn.microsoft.com)

Safe Mode: the built‑in Administrator account can appear in Safe Mode and, when accessible, allows resetting other local accounts from the User Accounts control panel. That path is the least invasive when it works, but it depends on how the machine was set up (local vs domain account, whether the Administrator account has a password, and whether it’s been disabled). The Windows Recovery Console is not a bypass — it normally prompts for the Administrator password. (learn.microsoft.com)

Offline reset tools: a well‑known, widely used option is the Offline NT Password & Registry Editor (chntpw), which boots from CD/USB and edits the SAM hive to blank or change local passwords without logging into Windows. Typical workflow: create the boot media, boot the machine from it, select the Windows partition, choose the password edit option, write changes, then reboot and log on with the reset/blank password. Critical warning: resetting a local password this way can permanently break access to any EFS‑encrypted files for that user. (pogostick.net)

Domain controllers and DSRM: domain setups are different. A domain account reset on a member machine or a DC requires domain procedures (DSRM on DCs), so offline SAM edits may not resolve domain credentials and can cause additional problems. For domain scenarios or uncertainty about data encryption, consider professional support or data backup before attempting changes. (learn.microsoft.com)

Summary cautions: back up the drive (disk image) before any SAM edits, avoid tools or actions that could damage encrypted data, and confirm whether accounts are local or domain. When legal/ownership questions or important data exist, use a trusted technician.

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Member Avatar for LivinNstiX

You can start your computer in safe mode and get passed the sign in then delete the account who lost there password... but it depends who has administrative permission.

restart your computer push F8 until it askes you how you want to start windows

start up in safe mode

should give you the option to use administration account or parents account... click admin

once the desktop loads

Start/settings/control panel/user accounts

then you can delete the old account and start a new one
or you could just open a new account so you can use the computer

which ever way you choose make sure you give your self administrative options..

( i know you can get to the user accounts using the above options but depending on administation options you may not be able to delete the old account)

good luck

Member Avatar for Triangle

My parents forgot the username and password for there windows 2000 log in. Is ther a way that i can reset/delete the username and password without being able to get on the computer?

Hello,

Yes, it is really possible to reset lost or forgotten windows password, for example using Active@ Password Changer utility
http://www.password-changer.com/

Member Avatar for caperjack

You can start your computer in safe mode and get passed the sign in then delete the account who lost there password... but it depends who has administrative permission.

restart your computer push F8 until it askes you how you want to start windows

start up in safe mode

should give you the option to use administration account or parents account... click admin

once the desktop loads

Start/settings/control panel/user accounts

then you can delete the old account and start a new one
or you could just open a new account so you can use the computer

which ever way you choose make sure you give your self administrative options..

( i know you can get to the user accounts using the above options but depending on administation options you may not be able to delete the old account)

good luck

not sure about win2000 ,but in winxp you can just delete the password and not the whole user account .

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