How to create the password reset disk in Windows XP ?

The steps to perform this task differ depending on whether your computer is a member of a network domain or is part of a workgroup (or is a stand-alone computer).

If you're using Windows XP in a workgroup (and not in a domain), you have the option to create a password reset disk.

1. To create the password reset disk go to the Start menu, Control Panel, User Accounts.
2. Click your account name.
3. Under Related Tasks located on the left side of the window, click Prevent a forgotten password.
4. In the Forgotten Password Wizard, follow the instructions as they appear on the screen.
5. When the wizard starts, click Next.
6. Select the drive that contains the media you want to create the information on (you can use a diskette or a Zip disk), and click Next.
7. Type your current password, and click Next.
8. Click Finish.

The password reset disk contains only one file called userkey.psw, which is an encrypted version of your password. If you change your password, the password reset disk is useless, you must repeat this procedure.