Can I recover WindowsXPPro Admin p/w using Mint disk

[AnotherNewb]

I have this program on a DVD disk (Mint). It allows me to access the web in a very limited way (many pictures and video don't show and no sound at all), and also some of my files that were saved on Windows (not all). It is locked in while I am using it, and so I can't copy any suggested programs onto a boot disk (solutions I have read about elsewhere require this). The problem is I am locked out of Windows completely (Windows XP Pro) since the stored password seems to have become corrupted. Does anyone know a way I can cross over into my Windows files that store the passwords, so I can find the password (using this Linux Mint disk)? I am the owner of the machine, and the Windows XP Pro (which came loaded on it - so no disc - but sticker with product key is on machine). I am also owner of all data on it (which I don't want to lose). Any solutions that fit this situation would be very appreciated, thank you. [P.S. Please be aware, I have a very, very limited knowledge of Linux, and computers in general, so any solutions need to be spelled out like I'm a moron - some may say I am a moron, but even if true, I still need help.]

[Spearmint2]

This is more of a windows problem. What sort of disc for windows do you have? Or is this an OEM machine with a backup copy of windows install on a separate partition? You need to reinstall windows on top of itself. One trick I use is to install to a different folder, such as if the previous version was in Windows folder, then I reinstall to WINNT folder. This regains you a lot, including ability to setup new links to programs already installed, which as you recall are in the Program Files folder. Most of what you want to save will be in Documents And Settings folder, or My Documents folder. A search on "inbox" will usually locate where all the mail folders are at on a computer and then go to those folders and copy all mail files from those folders.

If you decide to attempt this through recovering windows instead of doing with Mint, then try the Computer Help forum at CNET, which is a good place to find step by step help with the process.

In short, once you install windows over itself, you can probably recreate the same profiles as before and obtain access to the folders.

[Spearmint2]

I have this program on a DVD disk (Mint). It allows me to access the web in a very limited way (many pictures and video don't show and no sound at all), and also some of my files that were saved on Windows (not all).

What video type files? Flash? Another?

It is locked in while I am using it, and so I can't copy any suggested programs onto a boot disk (solutions I have read about elsewhere require this).

What sort of boot disk? A floppy? Burn a bootable CD? Why do you need a boot disk if you can run Mint from the DVD drive?

The problem is I am locked out of Windows completely (Windows XP Pro) since the stored password seems to have become corrupted.

This does not compute. You just admitted you can access some of the files you have saved on Windows. That must mean the hard drive is mounted when you are using Mint.

Does anyone know a way I can cross over into my Windows files that store the passwords, so I can find the password (using this Linux Mint disk)?

Unless you are talking about files you created and put the passwords in so you could remember them, then if the hard drive is mounted you should be able to access them. If instead you mean password for your windows profile, while it seems odd you'd not remember it, you are pretty much out of luck if trying to hack it.

I am the owner of the machine, and the Windows XP Pro (which came loaded on it - so no disc - but sticker with product key is on machine).

The install files for windows then should be in a "hidden partition" or drive letter which you can gain access too, consult the website for the particular manufacturer to discover how to access it.

I am also owner of all data on it (which I don't want to lose).

Well, that's a relief.

Any solutions that fit this situation would be very appreciated, thank you. (P.S. Please be aware, I have a very, very limited knowledge of Linux, and computers in general, so any solutions need to be spelled out like I'm a moron - some may say I am a moron, but even if true, I still need help.)

Help others help you. Tell us exactly what happens when you try to access files from Documents and Settings while using Mint Live DVD. Any messages?

[BigSteve_G]

A (very quick & easy) way to regain access to a Windows XP machine with no need at all for any Linux terminal knowledge would be using Kon-boot.

Write it to cd, boot from it, log in to Windows with any or no password then just change the admin´ password to a new one

[AnotherNewb]

What sort of disc for windows do you have?

No Windows Disk at all.

Or is this an OEM machine with a backup copy of windows install on a separate partition?

I am not sure what that means, but if it means the Windows was installed already, before I bought it, then yes. Separate partition, sorry I don't know?

You need to reinstall windows on top of itself.

I have no idea how to do that. Wouldn't I need the disk? And doesn't that erase the stuff on the one you put it over the top of? I don't know, just asking?

One trick I use is to install to a different folder, such as if the previous version was in Windows folder, then I reinstall to WINNT folder. This regains you a lot, including ability to setup new links to programs already installed, which as you recall are in the Program Files folder. Most of what you want to save will be in Documents And Settings folder, or My Documents folder. A search on "inbox" will usually locate where all the mail folders are at on a computer and then go to those folders and copy all mail files from those folders.

Sorry, I got lost there.

If you decide to attempt this through recovering windows instead of doing with Mint, then try the Computer Help forum at CNET, which is a good place to find step by step help with the process.

I have read a lot of stuff at CNET, and none worked in my case, or were not applicable (I admit I may have missed something, so if you have seen any advice that fits (from CNET) I am willing to try it). Many options involved using another disk, but I don't have any way to do that. Others said access safe mode, but that also asked me for the same password that is locking me out of the desktop.

[AnotherNewb]

I have this program on a DVD disk (Mint). It allows me to access the web in a very limited way (many pictures and video don't show and no sound at all), and also some of my files that were saved on Windows (not all).

What video type files? Flash? Another?

Flash ones won't work, but some others to, and I don't know what they are called, sorry.

It is locked in while I am using it, and so I can't copy any suggested programs onto a boot disk (solutions I have read about elsewhere require this).

What sort of boot disk? A floppy? Burn a bootable CD? Why do you need a boot disk if you can run Mint from the DVD drive?

Any disk at all really, like the suggested recovery programs or cracking tools or just Windows.

The problem is I am locked out of Windows completely (Windows XP Pro) since the stored password seems to have become corrupted.

This does not compute. You just admitted you can access some of the files you have saved on Windows. That must mean the hard drive is mounted when you are using Mint.

Well I'm sorry if it doesn't compute for you, but that is exactly how it is. I am completely locked out of Windows, the desktop requires the password, and so does the safe mode. The files that were made in Windows that I can see in Mint are not Windows program files, but files of application programs, and they are not opened by Windows programs.

Does anyone know a way I can cross over into my Windows files that store the passwords, so I can find the password (using this Linux Mint disk)?

Unless you are talking about files you created and put the passwords in so you could remember them, then if the hard drive is mounted you should be able to access them. If instead you mean password for your windows profile, while it seems odd you'd not remember it, you are pretty much out of luck if trying to hack it.

I never said I don't remember the password. The password I'm talking about is the Administrator password. The system in Windows XP Pro has corrupted it in some way, so that it no longer works. It simply doesn't accept the password.

I am the owner of the machine, and the Windows XP Pro (which came loaded on it - so no disc - but sticker with product key is on machine).

The install files for windows then should be in a "hidden partition" or drive letter which you can gain access too, consult the website for the particular manufacturer to discover how to access it.

Okay, the manufacturer is Dell, it's a refurbished Optiplex GX520. I am looking for stuff about what you suggest here ... tba.

Any solutions that fit this situation would be very appreciated, thank you. (P.S. Please be aware, I have a very, very limited knowledge of Linux, and computers in general, so any solutions need to be spelled out like I'm a moron - some may say I am a moron, but even if true, I still need help.)

Help others help you. Tell us exactly what happens when you try to access files from Documents and Settings while using Mint Live DVD. Any messages?

This is just one example :- "[Could not display "/media/B62CDD232CDCDF83/WIND...security/Database/secedit.sdb". File is of an unknown type]"

So while I can see the Windows folders / files there in Mint, I cannot get into them or actually read them.

[AnotherNewb]

A (very quick & easy) way to regain access to a Windows XP machine with no need at all for any Linux terminal knowledge would be using Kon-boot.

Write it to cd, boot from it, log in to Windows with any or no password then just change the admin´ password to a new one

Sounds wonderful, but I can't put in any disks to download stuff, like Kon boot, because the mint disk I am using, to do anything at all now, locks in (and I guess that makes sense, since it is the only OS, on the disk) and stays there until I log out and switch off.

[AnotherNewb]

Thank you for trying to help. Sorry if I didn't explain properly, I tried my best.

[trapperjohn]

Use
Kali linux and ophcrack

[DrHu]

Konboot does work well, but if the hidden adminstrator password is available (a blank line entry), then you could fix it..
https://oit.ncsu.edu/resnet/xp-passwords-admin

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/wind ... 164cc2d1d5