How To Reset Windows Password

Last week, I was instructed to assess a situation at one of the consultants for our company. I found out that the IT resigned about a few months back and could (would?) not remember the passwords for the servers which he setup. I needed to gain access to 2 servers which contained the Active Directory and ISA.

Solution 1:
Reformat the servers, setup Active Directory again and re-join the PC's and Users to the domain. Again. Ultimately it's what I did since the structure was really bad, but not without trying out Solution 2.

Solution 2:
Reset the (local) Administrator password.

I used Active@ Password Changer because one of the servers was running on Windows Server 2008 and so far, Active@ has been the most successful. But it's not free, check out their website if you want to buy it. Otherwise, you can use the following tools for free. They work for most of Windows OS' too, just in case you "can't remember" your password. Be careful though, especially if you have Windows encrypted files. Changing passwords means, you won't be able to open these files ever again. More details on that HERE.

So, on with the free password changer tools:

1. Stellar Phoenix Password Recovery - Simple startup utility resets a forgotten admin or users' password using a familiar Windows-like program interface instead of command-line.
2. Password Kit - Top rated version of Passware's Password recovery app, supports Windows Vista and RAID/SCSI/SATA drives.
3. Petter Nordahl-Hagen's Offline NT Password & Registry Editor - A great boot CD/Floppy that can reset the local administrator's password.
4. Openwall's John the Ripper - Good boot floppy with cracking capabilities.
5. EBCD – Emergency Boot CD - Bootable CD, intended for system recovery in the case of software or hardware faults.

If you know more free tools, please let me know.