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Summary
Having trouble accessing your Lenovo laptop due to a forgotten password? Don't worry, there are multiple methods to reset your password without a Windows reset disk. From using the build-in administrator account to utilizing password reset tools, this article covers everything you need to know to regain access to your device in no time.



Have you forgotten the password to your Lenovo laptop? Don’t panic, as there are several methods you can try to reset your password without using a disk. One of these methods is to explore the option of using the built-in administrator account on your Lenovo laptop. This method can be useful if you have previously created an administrator account on your device, and it can save you the hassle of using a password reset disk. In this chapter, we will be discussing how to access and use the built-in administrator account to reset your forgotten password on your Lenovo laptop.

Method 1: Resetting Your Lenovo Laptop Password Using the Built-In Administrator Account

One of the most effective methods you can explore to reset your forgotten password on a Lenovo laptop is by utilizing the built-in administrator account. This method allows you to regain access to your device without the need for a Windows reset disk. In this chapter, we will guide you through the steps on how to use the built-in administrator account to reset your Lenovo laptop password.
Tips:You must have another account with administrator rights to use the following methods
Step 1: Accessing the Windows Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows VersionHow to Enter Windows safe modelimitations
Windows 10/11Method 1: From the Sign-in Screen – Restart the computer. At the sign-in screen/ hold the Shift key and click Power > Restart. On the Choose an Option screen/ select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. After the computer restarts/ choose 4 or F4 for Safe Mode/ 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking/ or 6 or F6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt.None
Windows 10/11Method 9: Using F8 or Shift + F8 (doesn’t work for UEFI BIOS and SSD drives) – This method is not applicable for UEFI BIOS and SSD drives.Doesn’t work for UEFI BIOS and SSD drives.
Windows VersionHow to Enter Windows safe modelimitations
Windows XPPress the F8 key before the Windows XP logo appears. Use the arrow keys to select Safe Mode at the Advanced Boot Options menu.None
Windows VistaPress F8 before the Windows Vista logo appears. Use the arrow keys to select Safe Mode at the Advanced Boot Options menu. Another method is to type ‘msconfig’ in the Start menu’s Search field/ click the Boot tab/ check the Safe boot option/ select an option below/ and click OK/ then Restart.When you reboot Windows after using the msconfig method/ it will take you back into Safe mode. So/ while still in Safe Mode/ launch msconfig and uncheck the Safe boot option.
Windows 7Press the F8 key before the Windows 7 logo appears. Use the arrow keys to select Safe Mode at the Advanced Boot Options menu. Another option is to insert the original installation disc/ select Repair your computer/ and then choose Command Prompt to run commands. Alternatively/ you can type ‘msconfig’ in the Start menu’s Search field/ click the Boot tab/ check the Safe boot option/ select an option below/ and click OK/ then Restart.-
Windows 8If you can boot into Windows/ restart the computer and press the Shift and F8 keys before the Windows logo appears. If that doesn’t work/ you can also try using the Shift and Restart keys at the login window. From the Choose an option screen/ select Troubleshoot/ then Advanced options/ and finally Startup Settings. Click Restart and then press the F4 key to boot into Safe Mode. Another method is to type ‘msconfig’ in the Start menu’s Search field/ click the Boot tab/ check the Safe boot option/ select an option below/ and click OK/ then Restart.-
Step 2: Enabling the Built-in Administrator Account
Once you have accessed the command prompt, you can enable the built-in administrator account using the following commands:
1. Type

net user administrator /active:yes

and press Enter.
2. You should see a message indicating that the command completed successfully.
3. Close the command prompt window.
Step 3: Resetting the Forgotten Password
Now that you have enabled the built-in administrator account, you can use it to reset your forgotten password. Follow these steps:
1. Restart your Lenovo laptop and select the “Administrator” account from the login screen.
2. Leave the password field blank and press Enter.
3. Once you are logged in, press the

Windows key + R

to open the Run dialog box.
4. Type

control userpasswords2

and press Enter.
5. In the User Accounts window, select your user account and click on “Reset Password.”
6. Enter a new password for your user account and confirm it, then click “OK.”
7. Restart your Lenovo laptop and log in with your new password.
Using the built-in administrator account can be a convenient and effective way to reset your Lenovo laptop password without a Windows reset disk. By following the steps outlined in this chapter, you can regain access to your device quickly and easily. However, if this method doesn’t work for you, do not worry. There are alternative options available, such as third-party password reset tools or utilizing password reset disks. Always remember to keep backups of your important data and seek professional assistance if needed.
Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) is a powerful tool that can help you troubleshoot and recover from various issues on your Lenovo laptop. 
Windows VersionHow to Enter Windows Recovery Enviromentlimitations
Windows 10/11Use Advanced Startup from Windows Settings1. Open the Settings menu by clicking on the Start button and selecting the gear icon.2. Click on `Update & Security` and then choose `Recovery` from the left sidebar.3. Under the `Advanced startup` section/ click on the `Restart now` button. Your laptop will restart and bring up the Advanced Startup menu.Need Login
Windows 10/11Use Shift + Restart key: In login screen/ press Shift key + Restart buttomNone
Windows 10/11Use Command Prompt: shutdown /r /o /f /t 00Need Login

Method 2: Utilize Renee PassNow - General Password Reset disk to reset your Windows password

If you have forgotten your Lenovo laptop password and do not have access to the built-in administrator account, there is still a way to reset your password without a disk. This method involves using a third-party software called Renee PassNow.
Tips:If your account is Microsoft Account, Renee PassNow will convert this account to Local account. After resetting login password, you need to connect your account to your Microsoft Account again.
To reset your Windows password using Renee PassNow, follow these steps:
Step 1: Download and Install Renee PassNow
Start by downloading Renee PassNow from the official website and install it on a different computer that you can access. You can choose the appropriate version based on your computer’s operating system.
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Step 2: Create a Bootable USB or CD/DVD
Launch Renee PassNow and insert a USB flash drive or blank CD/DVD into the computer. Select the option to create a bootable media. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Create New Windows 10 Password Reset Disk with Renee PassNow
Step 3: Boot the Locked Server from the Bootable Media
Insert the bootable USB or CD/DVD into the locked Windows computer. Restart the computer and enter the BIOS settings by pressing the appropriate key (usually F2 or Delete). Configure the boot order to prioritize the bootable media.
Common Computers:
BIOS NameEnter boot menu method
Lenovo (Consumer Laptops)F2 or Fn + F2
Lenovo (Desktops)F1
Lenovo (ThinkPads)Enter then F1
lenovo password reset without disk
Step 4: Select password reset function
After successfully booting from the bootable media, Renee PassNow will load. Select “PassNow!” function after booting from the new created Windows password reset disk.
After loading into main interface, please select the “PassNow!” function.
Step 5: Resetting the Password
Choose the user account for which you want to reset the password. Then, click on the “Clear Password” button. Renee PassNow will remove or reset the password for the selected user account.
Select target Windows system in the list
Select target user account in the list
Step 6: Reboot the PC
Once the password is reset, remove the bootable media from the PC and restart the computer. You will now be able to log in to Windows Account without a password.
Renee PassNow is a powerful and effective tool for resetting forgotten Windows passwords. It is a great alternative to using the built-in administrator account, as it does not require any previous access to the laptop. However, it is important to note that this method may not work for Windows 10 laptops with a Microsoft account as the login. In that case, it is recommended to use a password reset disk for your specific Microsoft account.

Method 3: Utilize command prompt commands to reset your Lenovo laptop password with Windows Installation Media

If you have a Windows installation media available, you can also use the command prompt to reset your Lenovo laptop password. This method is suitable for those who have basic computer knowledge and are comfortable with using command line tools. It involves using the command prompt to replace the Utilman.exe file with the Command Prompt executable (cmd.exe) and then using it to reset the password. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Boot from the Windows Installation Media
Firstly, you need to boot your Lenovo laptop from the Windows Installation Media. You can create a Windows Installation Media using a USB drive or DVD. Once you have the media ready, insert it into your laptop and boot from it. Press any key to boot from the media when prompted.
Once the Windows installation setup screen appears, press “Shift + F10″ to open the command prompt.
Press shift + F10 to open the Command Prompt window in windows installation disk
If you do not have a Windows Installation media, you may download Windows Installation Creation Tools here:
Windows VersionDownload LinkRequirement
Windows 7https://learn.microsoft.com/lifecycle/products/windows-7PC with a working Internet connection/ a blank USB flash drive or DVD with at least 8 GB of available storage space/ a product key
Windows 8/8.1https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows8Same to above
Windows 10https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows10Same to above
Windows 11https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11Same to above
Step 2: Replace Utilman.exe with cmd.exe
In the command prompt, type

cd c:/windows/system32

and press Enter. Then, use the following command to rename Utilman.exe:

ren Utilman.exe Utilman.exe.bak

. Next, use this command to replace Utilman.exe with cmd.exe:

copy cmd.exe Utilman.exe

. Type “Y” when prompted to overwrite the file.
Step 3: Reset the Password
Close the command prompt and restart your laptop. Now, when you reach the login screen, click on the “Ease of Access” button located at the bottom-left corner. This will open a command prompt window.
ease of use button in Windows login screen
In the command prompt, use the

net user

command to reset your password. For example:

net user USER_NAME NEW_PASSWORD

(replace “USER_NAME” with your account username and “NEW_PASSWORD” with your desired new password). Press Enter and your password will be reset.
Step 4: Restore Utilman.exe
After resetting your password, you need to restore the original Utilman.exe file. To do this, go to the command prompt and use the following command:

copy Utilman.exe.bak Utilman.exe

. When prompted, overwrite the file.
Reboot your laptop and you can now log in with your new password.
Conclusion
Using the command prompt and Windows Installation Media is a straightforward and effective way to reset your Lenovo laptop password without a password reset disk. However, this method may not be suitable for beginners or those who are not comfortable using command line tools. In such cases, you can use other methods such as utilizing third-party password reset tools like Renee PassNow as mentioned in the previous topic.

Method 4: Utilize Ophcrack to Brute force cracking the forgotten password

While using Command Prompt for resetting Lenovo password is a quick solution, it may not always work, especially if user does not have professional Windows operating knowledge, numbers, and special characters. In such cases, utilizing a password cracking software like Ophcrack can be a viable option.
Step 1: Download and Install Ophcrack
To use Ophcrack, you will first need to download and install it on another computer with internet access. Once installed, create a bootable USB or CD/DVD using Ophcrack to run it on your locked Windows 10 desktop.
Step 2: Choose and download the Correct Tables
Ophcrack requires rainbow tables to crack passwords. These tables contain precomputed hashes for a wide range of possible passwords. Select the appropriate tables according to the Windows version you are using. In this case, select the tables for Windows XP.
Ophcrack Rainbow table
Step 3: Launch Ophcrack
Once you have prepared the bootable device, insert it into the ASUS laptop and restart the computer. As the laptop boots up, you will need to access the boot menu, which can typically be done by pressing a designated key (e.g., F2, F8, or F12) during the startup process. Select the bootable device from the menu, and the Ophcrack software will begin to load.
Launch Ophcrack
Step 4: Begin the Password Recovery Process
Once you have selected the correct tables, click on the “Load” button to load them into Ophcrack. Then, click on the “Crack” button to start the password recovery process. Ophcrack will begin analyzing the hashes and attempting to crack the password
Ophcrack Account List
Ophcrack is a reliable and effective password cracking tool, but it may not work for all passwords. If this method does not work, consider using the other methods mentioned in this article or seek professional help.
Tips:Ophcrack is a password cracking software that utilizes rainbow tables to crack passwords. Make sure to download and install the correct tables according to your Windows version. If Ophcrack does not work, try other methods or seek professional help.

The Importance of Data Backup and Precautions in Lenovo Password Reset

There may come a time when you forget your password for your Lenovo laptop and need to perform a password reset. Whether it’s due to a change in password requirements or simply forgetting your old password, resetting your password can be a daunting task. However, before attempting a password reset, it is crucial to take precautions and ensure that you have a backup of your data. This chapter will discuss the importance of data backup and precautions to take before attempting a password reset on a Lenovo laptop.
Why Data Backup is Important
Data backup is an essential practice that everyone should follow, regardless of whether they are planning to reset their password or not. Backing up your data ensures that you have a copy of all your important files and documents, protecting them from any accidental deletion, corruption, or loss. In the event that something goes wrong during the password reset process, having a backup of your data will give you peace of mind, knowing that your important files are safe.
Methods of Data Backup
There are various methods of data backup, including using an external hard drive, cloud storage, or even a USB drive. Whichever method you choose, ensure that you have a recent and complete backup of your data. This means that all your important files, including documents, photos, and videos, should be included in the backup. It is also recommended to perform regular backups to keep your data up-to-date.
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The Importance of Taking Precautions
Before attempting a password reset on your Lenovo laptop, it is crucial to take precautions to avoid any potential problems that may arise. This includes ensuring that your laptop is fully charged or plugged into a power source, as well as having a stable internet connection. Any interruptions during the password reset process may lead to data loss or corruption, which can be avoided by taking these simple precautions.
In Conclusion
In summary, when attempting a password reset on your Lenovo laptop, it is crucial to take precautions and ensure that you have a backup of your important data. This will protect your data in case anything goes wrong during the password reset process. Remember to always back up your data regularly, and only use brute force cracking methods as a last resort. By following these precautions, you can safely reset your password and regain access to your Lenovo laptop.

Conclusion

In conclusion, resetting your Lenovo laptop password without a Windows reset disk is a simple task that can be done using various methods. You can utilize the built-in administrator account, utilize specialized password reset disks like Renee PassNow, use command prompt commands, or try brute force cracking with Ophcrack. However, it is essential to take precautions and backup your data before attempting a password reset to avoid any data loss. With these methods, you can easily regain access to your Lenovo laptop, even if you have forgotten your password. So, whether you have misplaced your password or someone has changed it without your knowledge, these methods will help you reset your password and regain control of your device. Remember to practice caution and always have a backup plan in case of any issues during the password reset process. With these steps, you can quickly get back to using your Lenovo laptop without any hassle.