Expert: Brian Benosky - 4/26/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello:

I have lost the Admin password on two pc's that I had been trying to get onto a new domain.  I have been working on trying to fix the issue since 5:00pm yesterday afternoon because I need them fixed by 7:00am Monday morning, otherwise I may become unemployed.  I have tried a number of "fixes" that are out there on the internet but none have worked.  A popular one has me downloading a zip file then extracting an .iso file which I am supposed to burn to a cd and then boot from it.  The problem I keep having is after I unzip the winzip file, the .iso file still thinks it is a winzip file.  When I double click on it Winzip opens. The file extension is .iso but when I go to properties it says "open with" and Winzip is the program that shows up even though it is an .iso file.  I can change the program that is used to open the .iso file but what would I change it to?  An iso file is just a "copy" of all the files that make up an o.s. (kind of).  I am so lost at this point.  Any help or advise would be GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!!.

Paul DiPietro  


ANSWER: Hi Paul

An .iso is actually an image file.  Not a 'picture' image, but a disk image.  Download the free program ImgBurn, which will add a right-click shortcut to Windows' menu.  Simply right-click on the .iso file, choose Burn With ImgBurn, and the program will open up and you just click a button to start the burn.  Download it from here:
http://www.imgburn.com/
If you need more help with recovering the passwords, let me know.  Good luck!

Brian

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Brian:

Do you know if I boot from the XP Pro cd and choose the repair option if i will lose all the data on the hard drive?  I will not be formatting the hard drive not will I be choosing to do a new install.  I will just be using the repair option.

Let me know....if you know.

Thanks again,

Paul

Answer
Hi Paul

Repairing the OS will not reset the password, if that's what you are hoping for.  A repair install gives system files a fresh start, reverting them to their original properties.  It won't delete your documents or settings, just Windows files.  Read more here:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315341

Brian