Windows Password

Hey folks. I had to use an Acronis full system backup to reinstall my system. Prior to creating this backup, I had set up a Windows password to boot to my desktop. So when my system boots, I get the Windows XP window that asks for my (the asustech/red_admin.gif

) password. Since I created this Acronis backup, I changed my password. It never dawned on me to make a note of it. Now, Windows is asking me for my old password and I don't remember it.
Is there any way that you know of to get around having to enter the password? I tried going into safe mode (hoping I could get into user accounts) but I still have to enter the password.
Is there anything in the bios that can help. Man, I hope I don’t have to reinstall XP!!
Thanks
HC

Hey folks,
I'm a little desperate. Does anyone have an answer?
HC

Came across a couple options, but I've never used them.

http://home.eunet.no/pnordahl/ntpasswd/

http://www.openwall.com/passwords/microsof...0-xp-2003-vista

http://www.5min.com/Video/How-to-Retrieve-...s-Password-4512

http://www.loginrecovery.com/

Hope these help.

Thanks guys,
JM - I tried Ophcrack and it booted but I got a black screen. I spent 2 hours trying to google solutions but most of the solutions either didn't work, were way over my head, were written in broken english, or all of the above.

Anyway, I tried Vegas suggestions and I'm in the process of using Login Recovery. I've downloaded my info and I'm waiting for a response. I'll let you know what happens.
thanks
hc

There's a simple way to reset the password. It involves deleting a system file, bringing the OS back to a no admin password state. I tried this once myself and it did work. The problem is that the readme file I saved with the instructions wound up corrupted in a data backup. There is a way to do this without any third party applications or elaborate hacks.

Possible solutions:

(1) A step-by-step straight from the Death Star:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/321305

Method 2: Log on as an admin'tor to reset the password
Windows XP Home Edition or Windows XP Professional
1. Log on as an admin'tor.
a. Restart the computer.
b. Press CTRL+ALT+DELETE two times, and then type the name of the admin'tor user account.
c. In the Password box, type the admin'tor password, and then click OK.

Note If the admin'tor password is set to a blank password, do not type a password before you click OK.
2. Reset the password.
a. Click Start, click Run, type control userpasswords2, and then click OK.
b. Click the name of the user account that you want to reset the password for, and then click Reset Password.
c. Type a new password in the New password box, and then type the password again in the Confirm new password box, and then click OK.
d. Restart the computer, and then try to log on to Windows XP again.

(2) http://johnmonte.wordpress.com/2008/03/06/...password-reset/

For the future, here's how to create a PW reset disk so if you forget it again, you have a tool to recover it: http://pcsupport.about.com/od/tipstricks/h...assworddisk.htm