Recover a Windows Password With Linux

December 25, 2009 by admin
Filed under Computer Tips

Recover a Windows Password With Linux

You can’t believe you did this, but you did: you forgot your Windows password. Another hour of guessing could eventually result in you figuring it out, but it doesn’t have to come to that. Instead, try using the power of Linux to reveal that password so you can get back to work.
It’s a lot simpler than you think, and you’ll be using your Windows computer again fast..

Instructions

Step 1

Download the Ophcrack Live CD (see Resources), a version of Linux designed specifically to boot from a CD and change Windows passwords. The download is an .iso file, a form of virtual CD.
Step 2

Burn the .iso file to a CD. Mac and Linux systems can burn a .iso file easily; just right click the file, then click “Burn Image to Disc.”

If your additional computer is a Windows computer, and you don’t know how to burn .iso files, check out ISO Recorder. This free program that plugs the ability to burn .iso files to CD into Windows Explorer. After installing ISO Recorder right click the image and click “Burn Image to Disc.”
Step 3

Insert the CD into your computer and reboot it. The computer should boot from the Live CD automatically; if it doesn’t, restart the computer and follow the on-screen instructions for entering the boot menu.
If that doesn’t help consult your computer’s documentation to learn how to boot from CD.
Step 4

Wait for the CD to boot. When it does, Ophcrack will display on screen. Select the account you’re trying to crack and click the “Crack” button. Ophcrack will work on figuring out your password, and then reveal it to you.