Hmmm..... manually backup Registry and User Data (by putting the hard drive into another computer, and manually copying the relevant files to a backup folder on the drive), do a clean install (without formatting, then put the backup files into the new installation ???

You may potentially have to use some trick to access the User profile folder in a different computer...

Hiren's Boot CD has Active Password Changer included and lots lots lots of stuff.

One of the best ways to reset the password is through the use of Winternal's ERD Commander! You boot to a CD that you create(and you CAN include SATA drivers so that those drives/systems are accessable!!) and then just use the "Locksmith" utility to change the password of any user on the system...including the Administrator!!

Now while it's a great utility...it IS expensive!! But if you need this ability...and a bunch of other "goodies"...then take a look at Winternals Emergency Download (and cringe at the price!!<G>)

I have to say that it has seriously "saved my bacon" on more than one occasion...so if you're serious about what you do...you might need this....

Paul

yeah,........ERD is the shizzle......lol

hmm... why don't u just login into safe mode and change the password from there?

I understand you're trying to be helpful here; please check the dates on posts before resurrecting old threads (Anything longer than 1 or 2 months)
To answer your question - you can use safemode to do this ..... IF you know your password (Azzuming one is set) to get into the Admin acct, or even the user acct..... but the whole point here is that there is a password that was "lost"/forgotten