What to Do when You Forget Your Computer's Log on Password

Some individuals protect their computers with a log on password, and rightfully so if they live in an environment where people will either use their computers without permission or if their computers contain information that is of a sensitive nature. The downside to using a log on password, however, is when these users forget it, locking themselves out of their own computers. If they do not know how to get back onto their computers, disaster can ensue. If you find yourself in this situation and are feeling frustrated, applying the below steps will get you back up and running in no time at all.

In order to log onto your computer if you do not remember your log on password is by first making sure the computer is completely powered off. Once the computer has been completely shut down, press the power button to turn it back on. While pressing the power button, you will want to tap the f8 key continuously, beginning as soon as you press the power button. Do not stop tapping this key until you see the "Advanced Startup Options" menu.

When you get to the "Advanced startup Options" menu, select the one that says "Safe Mode" and then press "Enter" on it. Your computer will bring up the desktop, just as it would if you were logged in normally; however, there are a couple of things for you to know. One, the display may seem a little weird and oversized. This is because sometimes, the computer is running off of its generic display driver that comes with Windows, not the driver that is to be installed with the machine. It all depends on how your computer will work, as sometimes, this does not happen. Second, all of your programs will not work while in "Safe Mode," such as the Internet.

Now that you are in "Safe Mode" and understand everything you need to know about it, go to your "Start" menu, just as you would if the computer were running normally. Then, go to your control panel. Once at the control panel, go to "User Accounts." Now, you will be presented with a series of options. You will see a list of all the accounts that have been created on your computer, and you will be able to make changes to each one. From here, you will need to select the "Administrator" account. Then, you will click the link that says "Change password."

Now, if there is an administrative password set for the entire computer, and not just for the administrative account, you will more than likely have to reformat your computer and start fresh or get your hands onto a program that will enable you to bypass the log on password, log onto your computer and reset it. Many password bypassing programs can be found online or by talking to your local computer repair shop.

A neat feature that Windows Vista and Windows 7 has is that you can create a password reset disk, so if you forget the log on password, you can use this disk to reset it and get back onto your computer. In order to create the password reset disk, you will need to be logged on normally; you cannot do this in "Safe Mode." Follow all of the same steps to get to "User Accounts." Then, click the option that says "Create password reset disk." This disk will work, even if the password has been set for the administrator, so you will not have to reformat the computer or get your hands on a password bypassing program.

So, the next time you forget your log on password, you will be better prepared to deal with the situation now that you have the above steps handy. NO more does this issue have to get in the way of productivity, since you will now have the knowledge to deal with is and treat it as though it is a very small problem and not a huge hurtle.