How to Create a Password Reset Disk for computers that are part of a domain

Note that this procedure requires one blank, formatted floppy disk.

To create a password reset disk for your local user account:
  1. Press CTRL+ALT+DELETE. The Windows Security dialog box appears.
  2. Click Change Password . The Change Password dialog box appears.
  3. In the Log on to box, click the local computer. For example, click Computer (this computer) .
  4. Click Backup . The Forgotten Password Wizard starts.
  5. On the "Welcome to the Forgotten Password Wizard" page, click Next .
  6. Insert a blank, formatted disk in drive A, and then click Next .
  7. In the Current user account password box, type your password, and then click Next . The Forgotten Password Wizard creates the disk.
  8. When the progress bar reaches 100 percent complete, click Next , and then click Finish . The Forgotten Password Wizard quits and you return to the Change Password dialog box.
  9. Remove, and then label the password reset disk. Store the disk in a safe place.
  10. In the Change Password dialog box, click Cancel .
  11. In the Windows Security dialog box, click Cancel.
If you forget your password, you can log on to the computer with a new password that you create by using the Password Reset Wizard and your password reset disk.
To gain access to your local user account on a computer that is a member of a domain, or has been disconnected from a domain:
  1. In the Welcome to Windows dialog box, press CTRL+ALT+DELETE.
  2. In the Log On to Windows dialog box, type an incorrect password in the Password box, and then click OK .
  3. In the Logon Failed dialog box that appears, click Reset . The Password Reset Wizard starts. The Password Reset Wizard lets you create a new password for your local user account.
  4. On the "Welcome to the Password Reset Wizard" page, click Next .
  5. Insert the password reset disk in drive A, and then click Next .
  6. On the "Reset the User Account Password" page, type a new password in the Type a new password box.
  7. Type the same password in the Type the password again to confirm box.
  8. In the Type a new password hint box, type a hint that will help you remember the password if you forget it. NOTE : This hint is visible to anyone who attempts to log on to the computer by using your user account.
  9. Click Next , and then click Finish . The Password Reset Wizard quits and you return to the Log On to Windows dialog box. The password reset disk is automatically updated with the new password information. You do not have to create a new password reset disk.
  10. In the Log On to Windows dialog box, type your new password in the Password box.
  11. In the Log on to box, click the local computer. For example, click Computer (this computer) , and then click OK . You are logged on to the local computer with your local account information.