Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Question

WinXP Harddisk - how to recover files?

Dec 29, 2014 9:43AM PST

I have an Windows XP computer, with my own logon password. I am the only user (administrator) of this computer

Unfortunately, I have forgotten the logon username and password. And I need to recover some files in the computer.

Could I just remove the HDD, and then plug it into another of my computer, as a D:\ drive? Would I be required to logon when I try to access D:\?

Please help.

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Answer
Yes, no.
Dec 29, 2014 9:58AM PST

XP has another account if you boot safe mode. You can also reset the password with the free and widely documented boot CD called -> NTPASSWORD <-

There's also some advice I've handed out for a few years. There are newer versions but let's share this for fun:
Read http://tips.oncomputers.info/archives2004/0401/2004-Jan-11.htm
Bob

- Collapse -
WinXP Harddisk - how to recover files?
Dec 29, 2014 10:13AM PST

Hi Bob,
So your answer is:
Yes - I can remove the HDD and plug it into a new computer, it will be recognised as another driver (eg D:\)
NO - No logon password would be required if I access D:\ drive from the new computer

Are these your answers?
Thank you.

- Collapse -
Boot to Safe Mode. You don't have to remove the hard drive.
Dec 29, 2014 10:30AM PST

If you boot to Safe Mode as Bob said, you can use the Admin password and access your files, assuming someone hasn't changed the Admin password to something you don't know either.

And Bob suggested another way without removing the hard drive too - NTPASSWD.

Methinks you need to reread Bob's reply.

Good luck.

- Collapse -
That and more.
Dec 29, 2014 10:53AM PST

I'd try Safe Mode, NTPASSWD and read my over decade old advice as well.
Bob

- Collapse -
I will try NTPASSWD
Dec 29, 2014 11:06AM PST

Hi Bob,
Safe mode wouldn't work, as I don't remember the admin password as well.
Yes I will try NTPASSWD.
Btw, if NTPASSWD works, then the whole thing about Win XP logon security is crap?? Anyone can access my data on any of my Windows PC?
Thanks..

- Collapse -
As to the old admin password.
Dec 29, 2014 11:10AM PST

I find it's usually blank and pressing enter let's me in close to 99% of the time.