3 Steps to Unlock Windows Password With Ubuntu

Posted by: IT-Hall.com. Filed Under: Tutorial | 1 Comment

Forgotten is a problem commonly faced by mankind. Then when it happens on your Windows login password, how is the solution? There are ways to recover it is by using the Ubuntu Linux operating system.

chntpw

The first thing

Is create a Live CD or Live USB Flashdrive from Ubuntu Linux. Ubuntu Live will be used to boot into the system and perform the procedures required to dismantle the Windows password that was forgotten.

The easiest way to do that is by downloading and running UNetbootin. This simple application will download the selected Ubuntu version and install on the flash that you prepared.

The second stage

Is to install Open Source utility called chntpw. This is done from Ubuntu by running Synaptic Package Manager.

To be able to get chntpw, Synaptic Package Manager should be directed to look at storage applications Universe. This can be done by clicking Settings menu> Repositories in Synaptic window. Then, check the option ‘Community-maintained Open Source software (universe) “and click Close.

After that, click Reload button and Synaptic will download the latest package information from the Universe. When finished, type chntpw on the Quick Search box. If it appears, check the box on the side chnptw writing, choose ‘Mark for Installation’. Then click Apply to install it.

The third stage

Is to change the Windows password with chntpw.

  1. Mount the harddisk/drive that contains your Windows installation
  2. Open the harddisk (click on Places) and note the labels drive that appears on the menu bar window file browser
  3. Open a Terminal window (Applications > Accessories > Terminal)
  4. Type the following the command in Terminal: 
    cd / media
ls
  5. Type: 
    cd [label harddisk that you note the earlier]
  6. Type: 
    cd WINDOWS/system32/config
  7. To change the Administrator password, type the the command: 
    sudo chntpw SAM
  8. Will appear a few the command that you can choose, which most secure command is to clear the password. Do this by pressing the number ’1′ then press ‘y’ to confirm
  9. Select ’2′ to change the password to a particular word, but this has a greater risk of error
  10. To change the passwords of other users (non-administrator), type the following command (from Terminal): 
    sudo chntpw-u [user name] SAM