Reset a Windows Password Using Hiren’s Boot CD
Forgotten your Windows password? No need to worry. Hiren’s Boot CD provides an effective solution to reset your Windows password without reinstalling Windows or losing any data. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to reset your Windows password using Hiren’s Boot CD. For visual guidance, you can follow below video.
What is Hiren’s Boot CD?
Hiren’s Boot CD is a comprehensive suite of free diagnostic and repair tools. Designed as a bootable disk, it contains utilities for tasks like virus removal, partitioning, and password recovery. The boot CD includes Mini Windows XP or Mini Windows 10, which lets you access a simplified Windows environment to perform password resets seamlessly.
Requirements
- A USB drive (4GB or larger).
- Hiren’s Boot CD ISO (downloadable from the official Hiren’s website).
- A tool to create a bootable USB, like Rufus.
- The locked Windows PC.
Step-by-Step Guide to Resetting a Windows Password with Hiren’s Boot CD
Step 1: Create a Bootable USB with Hiren’s Boot CD
- Download Hiren’s Boot CD from the official website.
- Install and launch Rufus (or another tool to make a bootable USB).
- Insert your USB drive and select it in Rufus.
- In Rufus:
- Choose the Hiren’s Boot CD ISO as the bootable file.
- Select GPT or MBR as the partition scheme, depending on your system.
- Click Start to create the bootable USB.
- Once complete, safely remove the USB.
Step 2: Boot from the USB Drive
- Insert the USB into the locked computer.
- Restart the computer and access the boot menu (typically pressing F2, F10, F12, or Del during startup, depending on the manufacturer).
- Select USB drive from the boot options.
- Hiren’s Boot CD should start, presenting a menu where you can select Mini Windows XP or Mini Windows 10.
Step 3: Access Password Reset Tool
- When Mini Windows loads, go to the Hiren’s Boot CD menu on the desktop.
- Navigate to Password and Registry Tools and select NT Password Edit.
- In NT Password Edit:
- Select the SAM file (the file containing Windows user account details).
- Click Open to load the list of user accounts.
Step 4: Reset the Password
- In the user list, select the account you want to reset.
- Click Change Password.
- Either leave the password blank to remove it or set a new password.
- Click Save Changes and close NT Password Edit.
Step 5: Restart and Remove USB Drive
- Close all applications and restart the computer.
- Remove the USB drive during the reboot.
- The computer will boot into Windows, allowing you to log in using the new password (or with no password if you left it blank).
Important Considerations
- Administrator Rights: Reset an account with administrator privileges if possible, as this provides full access to the system.
- For Local Accounts Only: Hiren’s Boot CD resets only local Windows passwords. For Microsoft accounts, convert to a local account first.
- Backup Important Data: Although safe, backing up essential data is a good precaution before performing advanced operations.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Boot Menu Issues: If the USB isn’t visible in the boot menu, double-check the boot order in BIOS.
- Windows BitLocker: If your drive is BitLocker-encrypted, Hiren’s Boot CD cannot reset the password. You’ll need the BitLocker recovery key to proceed.
Hiren’s Boot CD is an efficient solution for resetting forgotten Windows passwords. For those who prefer a visual guide, this YouTube video provides clear instructions to follow along, ensuring a smooth process to regain access to your system.