How to Retrieve a Windows XP User Password

1
Insert the Windows XP installation CD in the computer's disk drive and reboot the computer. You may need to access your computer's BIOS to set the computer to reboot from the CD (accessing the BIOS will differ depending on the model of computer you are using).

2
Press any key when the computer shows a message prompting you to press any key to boot from the CD.

3
Press "Enter" when the "To setup Windows XP now" message appears, making sure not to press the "R" key (which will launch the Recovery Console).

4
Accept the User License Agreement, then select to repair Windows XP. Press "R" to start the repair.

5
After the repair process is complete, the computer reboots. Do not press any key to boot from the CD when prompted.

6
At the Windows login screen, enter a new password for the administrator account as well as for the user account