How do I reset the admin password of a Windows XP VM running in VMWare? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Windows: How to reset the administrator password?
I have a Windows XP VMWare Fusion image whose admin password is not known. How can I reset or recover the password?
Solution 1:
My solution was to boot the XP vm via a Linux system rescue disk and clear the password using the tools provided therein. Here are the steps:
- Download the sysrescuecd ISO (sysresccd.org/Download).
- In VMWare Fusion, head to the Settings for the XP vm and set CDs & DVDs to "Use disk image", pointing to the ISO.
- Boot up the vm and access the BIOS. By default the BIOS is flashed instantly, so you may have to add a delay (instructions here).
- Once in the BIOS, change the boot order so that CD-ROM is first.
- Save and Exit the BIOS to restart the vm.
- Boot into sysrescuecd by following the onscreen instructions. Default settings are fine.
-
When presented with the
/root %
prompt, execute the following commands to clear the admin password:Mount windows:
% ntfs-3g /dev/sda1 /mnt/windows
Change password (and confirm):
% cd /mnt/windows/WINDOWS/system32/config
% chntpw SAM
Exit Linux:
% halt
Your password should now be cleared. Undo the changes you made in steps 2-4 and restart the vm.