This document explains how to reset a local password in windows vista with no extra tools.

Step 1: Restart the computer and press f8 before boot.

You should see a boot options menu. It may take a couple of tries to get this right.

Step 2: From the boot options menu

boot into windows RE command prompt.

Step 3: Navigate to the system32 directory.

cd %systemroot%\system32

Step 4: Rename the following files

cp magnify.exe magnify.bak
cp cmd.exe magnify.exe

If prompted select yes to replace magnify.exe

Step 5: Restart the computer.

At the login screen click the ease of access button and select magnifier.

Step 6: Clicking magnifier now opens a command prompt.

Type control userpasswords2 at the prompt. You will have gained graphical access to your User Accounts in the Control Panel.

Step 7: Reset the passwords and log in.

Restart the computer and boot into windows RE command prompt.

ren magnify.bak magnify.exe

If prompted select yes to replace magnify.exe

Step 8: Restart the computer.

You should now be able to log in using your newly reset passwords.

13 Spice ups

Good how to.
Not too be nit picky or shoot you down but mind adding the reference? I believe the original exploit was shown by the offensive security team.
But again good how-to, this also works with 7’s accessibility I believe.

Thanks. I wouldn’t know who to reference. It’s a trick that I learned working while working at circuit city as a firedog a few years ago. I did a search through the how-tos and didn’t see any similar so I thought it might be useful for some. I wrote it all from memory. (so don’t be surprised if I left something out).

P.S. Mind spicing me up if you like it? :slight_smile:

Oh well that makes sense then. haha
Yeah it’s a worth while sploit to know.

You guys may want to check out (and spice up:-) my other how-to on reseting a XP password with just the XP install CD as well.

http://community.spiceworks.com/how_to/show/1198

Other good how to. I will test on Windows 7 enviroment.

this helped a ton but you need a bootable windows installation disk though.
even though this post is old … we still have vista machines in our organisation …