If your computer does not belong to a Windows domain, you can do yourself a big favor by creating a password reset disk. The Password Reset Disk can be used to get into the operating system even when you forget your password. This might happen if you've been away from your computer for a long time. Don't let short term memory loss prevent you from getting at your stuff!

First thing to do is create a Password Reset Disk:

1. Click Start, and then click on Control Panel. In the Control Panel, double click on User Accounts.
2. In the User Accounts window, click on your account. Now click on the Prevent a forgotten password command on the left side of the Window.
3. The Forgotten Password Wizard opens. Read the explanatory text and click Next.
4. On the Create a Password Reset Disk page you are asked to put in a blank, formatted disk. Put a blank, formatted floppy disk into the Floppy Drive and then click Next.
5. On the Current User Account Password page, type in the current password for the user, then click Next.
6. A progress bar shows you how far along the write to floppy has gone. When it reaches 100%, click Next.
7. Click Finish.

Now log off the computer so that you can test your password reset disk. You don't want to find out that it doesn't work when you actually need to use it!

1. Click on your account and type in the wrong password. A bubble help box will appear and ask you if you forgot your password. Click on the Use your password reset disk link in the help bubble.
2. The Password Reset Wizard appears. Click Next to continue.
3. The Insert the Password Reset Disk page asks you to insert your disk. Go ahead and insert it if its not already in there. Click Next.
4. Type in a new password and retype it. Then type in a hint. Click Next.
5. When you finish the Wizard, you are informed that you can now log on with your new password. Click Finish.
6. Now log in with your new password!

Note the password disk is for your account only. Another user cannot use your password reset disk and get into their own account. You can also click on the "?" next to your account and see the hint. You can see the HINTS for other people's accounts too! So make sure your hint isn't obvious to everyone else.