I forgot the Windows 7 password on my own computer, I used the trick
described in Resetting Your Forgotten Windows Password
(http://www.howtogeek.com/96630/how-to-reset-your-forgotten-windows-password-the-easy-way/):Boot from the Windows 7 repair ISO.
Execute:
copy c:\windows\system32\cmd.exe c:\windows\system32\sethc.exe Use the
Sticky Keys feature of the log in screen (now the command prompt) to
execute:net user Admin MyNewPassword I kept the file there in case I ever
forgot it again.A client of mine asked if I could do the same for him, and he also has
a PC with Windows 7 Professional x32.I followed the same steps as on my computer. The command of step 2
says it was successful, but when press Shift five times to trigger
Sticky Keys, the regular message for sethc.exe opens up.I tried entering the command of step 3 directly from the repair ISO.
This claimed to be successful as well, but the password was not
changed!What I'm doing wrong?
I have realized the problem is bigger than just not being able to change the password, any changes made to files using CMD don't actually change… and I can't figure out why.
In regard to the password, I tried using several "password reset" ISOs and they also look like they work but don't actually change anything.
CMD:
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C:\Windows\system32>net user Administrator NEWPASS
The command completed successfully.
C:\Windows\system32>
Password doesn't change.
Best Answer
I would recommend you use the Offline NT Password and Registry Editor to reset your Windows password.