Member Avatar for daniweb2013

Hi,
I'm trying to change administrator password from limited account which i didn't know that.
is there any possible way?

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Dani AI

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Short expert summary and safe next steps.

A limited (non‑administrator) Windows account does not have the rights needed to change an administrator account’s password. The command‑line approach some members mentioned only works when the command is run with administrator credentials; from a limited account it will fail. Microsoft’s support guidance says an existing administrator account is required to reset local passwords and that if no admin account is available you must use recovery/reset options. (Microsoft: Change or reset your password in Windows).

Practical, least‑risky options to try (only on machines you own):

  • Use the built‑in Administrator that appears in Safe Mode on older Windows (Windows XP often shows this account and it may have a blank password if never set) and then reset the other account from Control Panel. (See Microsoft guidance on logging in and resetting local account passwords.)
  • If there is another administrator account or you can legitimately supply administrator credentials, use the normal user‑management tools to set a new password rather than attempting offline hacks. (Microsoft: net user documentation)

Notes about the other suggestions in this thread:

  • The registry/SAM hive replacement approach mentioned by and the “bootable/live CD” methods can work technically because they edit the local SAM database, but they have real risks (system damage, loss of access to EFS‑encrypted files, time‑consuming recovery) and are not supported by Microsoft. Community tools that do this (for example, Offline NT Password & Registry Editor) document the method and warn about consequences — use them only after full backups and only on systems you own. (See the project FAQ and guide for details and warnings.) (chntpw FAQ · chntpw guide)

A quick troubleshooting tip for : when a command‑prompt routine asks you to type a new password it usually hides what you type (no characters echoed). That makes it look like nothing is happening — typing blindly and pressing Enter is normal in that case.

If none of the supported options apply, back up your data (remove the drive if possible) and consider a repair/reinstall or professional support. Microsoft’s documentation makes clear their support channels will not provide instructions to bypass or circumvent lost local passwords. (See the Microsoft reset guidance above.)

Recommended Answers

All 10 Replies

Member Avatar for daniweb2013

isn't there any app or hints?!

Member Avatar for jasimp

Why do you need to change an admins password from a limited account? It sounds kind of suspicious.

Member Avatar for daniweb2013

Why do you need to change an admins password from a limited account? It sounds kind of suspicious.

Well, I have installed Windows XP on my PC, i usually use limited accounts, and i change my administrator password few weeks ago, but i cant remember it.

So i asked whether i can change my password or not!

Member Avatar for jasimp

You can try this but it might only work if you are admin, open command prompt, type in net user (username) *. it will then ask for a new password. type in the new one and it will change it.

Member Avatar for andyi1234

hi, im new and ive been looking around on google on how to do this, well i just tried this method and its not working for me, this is what it tells me:

[IMG][/IMG]


if it helps, i have windows 2000 xp

Member Avatar for jasimp

hi, im new and ive been looking around on google on how to do this, well i just tried this method and its not working for me, this is what it tells me:

[IMG][/IMG]


if it helps, i have windows 2000 xp

It has to be all in one line.

cmd.JPG 24.15 KB
Member Avatar for darshan003

Dear Farzad,
pls try following.
first check what is the date of windows installation.
if u remember try as follows.
boot PC with Win98 bootable floopy or CD (Partition must be FAT32)
go to c:\windows\system32\config and locate SAM file. and check the date. it must show the date at which you change the password.
now check c:\windows\repair and search for SAM file. it must show the date older than the earlier SAM file. if you find pls replace c:\windows\system32\config\SAM with c:\windows\repair\SAM. all the password and users information will reset and if u know old password of administrator you can login with administrator credentials.

Member Avatar for mohammedsohaib

you have got it all wrong you type net user username *
eg: net user sohaib *
after that it sholud say enter password 2 times
only works with CMD

I HOPE THIS HELPS

Member Avatar for donkey_pasta

<snip> live CD has worked for me in the past

Edited by Moderator. No password cracking information allowed.

Edited by crunchie because: n/a
Member Avatar for shana720

How come I can not type in a new password?

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