Windows 8 locked because the password were lost, how can I change it without needing to reinstall it?

Question

I installed Windows 8 on my mother's notebook, she typed a new password for her and she lost it, she can't remember what she typed and no notes about it were made(my fault), now her Windows 8 installation just keep locked on logon/password screen.

How can I change the Windows 8 password for her account, reset the password or recovery the password without needing to reinstall entire Windows 8?

Could I just create another new account on the same computer from the safe mode or something like this?

PS: No live account was related to her Windows 8 account as far no account was registered on Windows 8 Store.

Solution 1

Checkout Hirens bootdisk. http://www.hiren.info/pages/bootcd

I've made several custom bootdisks for various troubleshooting situations. There are a variety of password reset utilities you can use along with a plethora of other useful utilities.

Solution 2

Boot to a live cd, navigate to c:\windows\system32\, rename osk.exe to osk1.exe, rename cmd.exe to osk.exe, boot to windows and use utility manager menu in the lower left to launch on screen keyboard, this actually gives you a command prompt. Type compmgmt.msc at the prompt and then in users and groups make any changes you wish. Do not forget to rename the files back

Comments

[Ramhound]

Unless you created a recovery password disk then your at the mercy of third-party solutions. You should be able to log into the built-in Administrator account and change the password to the local account that way. You at the very least will have more options. Sadly I forget if the Administrator account is enabled or disabled by default. The answer from week in this question seems like the best solution: superuser.com/questions/515023/…

[nikhil]

You could log into the computer with your windows live account I think. Not sure though. This is an awesome tool pogostick.net/~pnh/ntpasswd but I've only tested it upto windows 7. Take a crack at it. All the best.

[Ramhound]

@nikhil - The author clearly indicates that a Microsoft Account was NOT setup. Furthermore that would only allow the user to log into their Microsoft Account account not the local account. I have not fully tested if the profiles are seperate or not been meaning to do that.

[nikhil]

Ok I said I wasn't sure and I stand corrected. Thanks, he/she can try the other solution.

[user1974470]

I followed the instructions in this video. It is simplier and cleaner ;-) youtube.com/watch?v=Z2-NK3EyigU

[Canadian Luke]

Whilst this may theoretically answer the question, it would be preferable to include the essential parts of the answer here, and provide the link for reference.

[TweakFix]

You are right, I'm sorry.