If you are a Windows user and have used the password reset disk feature in Windows 7 or Vista, then you know how to do it. If you are not a Windows user, or if your computer is not currently running Windows 7 or Vista, then we recommend that you read this article before continuing. In order to use the password reset disk feature in Windows 7 or Vista, you first need to create a new account on the computer. You can do this by logging on to your computer and clicking on the Accounts button at the top of the screen. Then click on New Account. In the New Account dialog box, enter your name and password (if any). Click on Next. In the next dialog box, you will be asked to select which type of disk you want to use for your password reset operation. You can either choose to use a floppy disk or an USB drive. If you choose to use a floppy disk, click on Next. If you choose to use an USB drive, click on Finish. When you have finished selecting which type of disk you want to use for your password reset operation, click on Next again. In the next dialog box,you will be asked what type of files should be included with your new password reset disk operation. You can either include all of your current files or just some of them. Click on Next again when prompted for this information. In the next dialog box,you will be asked how many files should be included with your new password reset disk operation? You can either include all of your current files or just some of them; however, we recommend that you include at least one file per file group (for example: all files in My Documents folder). Click on Next again when prompted for this information. In the next dialog box,you will be asked how many folders should be included with your new password reset disk operation? You can either include all of your current files or just some of them
The Password Reset Disk is essentially a small file that can be used to reset your password, even if you have changed your password since creating the reset disk. This can be extremely valuable for preventing any embarrassing situations.
Naturally, you should store this in a very safe place, since it can be easily used by anybody to reset the password and gain access to your account.
Of course, Windows has supported the use of a Password Reset Disk for a while, but Windows Vista makes it really simple to use since you can use a USB Flash drive to store the reset file instead of a floppy.
Creating the Password Reset Disk
Open up User Accounts by clicking on your User icon in the start menu, and then select the link for “Create a password reset disk” over on the upper left-hand side.
You’ll be greeted with a wizard that gives you basic information about how it works… just click Next.
Now you can select the removable drive to create the password key on:
You’ll be asked for your current password, which we’ll hope you haven’t forgotten.
And that’s all there is to it… just remember to save this disk in a safe place.
If you actually look at the drive, you’ll see a file named userkey.psw that contains your reset key, and you could backup the file to another location if you wanted to.
Logically, you could then copy this file to another USB drive and use it to reset the password.
Resetting Your Password
Once you have a password reset disk, you can use it easily the next time you forget your password… once you’ve typed the wrong password Vista will show a “Reset password” link below the login box.
You’ll want to make sure you already have the USB flash drive inserted at this point, or else you’ll get an error message:
If you do already have the disk inserted, you should get this wizard screen instead.
You’ll want to pick the right disk if you have more than one…
And then type in a new password and a hint for the password.
That’s all there is to it.
Note that you don’t need to create a new password reset disk after using it to change your password.
