author avatar
20 August 2023  Amanda J. Brook  Senior Product Manager
 

Summary
Learn how to reset your Windows Vista Home Premium password with these simple methods: password reset disk, Renee PassNow, installation disk, and Offline NT Password.



Table of contents

table iconResetting Windows Vista Home Premium Login Password Without Data Loss
table iconMethod 1: Resetting Windows Vista password using a password reset disk
table iconMethod 2: Using Renee Passnow to reset the password
table iconMethod 3: Resetting the password through the Windows Vista installation disk
table iconMethod 4: Resetting the password using Offline NT Password
Windows Vista Home Premium password reset can be a daunting task for users who have forgotten their login credentials. Whether it’s due to a simple case of forgetfulness or a security measure to regain access to a locked account, finding the right solution is crucial. Fortunately, there are various methods available to reset a forgotten password on Windows Vista Home Premium. In this article, we will explore some effective techniques that can help users regain access to their accounts and overcome this frustrating situation. So, if you’re struggling with a locked Windows Vista Home Premium account, keep reading to discover the solutions at your disposal.

Resetting Windows Vista Home Premium Login Password Without Data Loss

Windows Vista home premium stores user passwords using a security feature called NTLM hashes. These hashed passwords are stored in the Windows SAM (Security Account Manager) database. The hashing process converts the password into a unique series of characters, making it difficult to decipher the actual password.

It is possible to reset the password hash in SAM without losing any data.

Method 1: Resetting Windows Vista password using a password reset disk

Windows Vista Home Premium has a built-in feature that allows you to create a password reset disk, which can be a lifesaver in such situations. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating a password reset disk and using it to reset your Windows password.
Tips:Note: To create a password reset disk for your Windows Vista Premium account, you must be logged in and remember your current password. The password reset disk can only be used to reset the password for your account.
If you forget your password and have not created a password reset disk beforehand, you can use a third-party universal password reset disk, such as Renee PassNow, to reset your password.

Step 1: Insert the password reset disk
To begin resetting your Windows Vista login password without losing any data, you will need a previously created password reset disk. Insert the disk into your computer’s CD/DVD drive.

Step 2: Select “Reset Password”
Once the disk is inserted, restart your computer. When the Windows Vista login screen appears, enter an incorrect password multiple times. A “Reset Password” link will then appear. click on the “Reset Password” link located beneath the password field.

Windows Vista home premium password reset

Step 3: Follow the password reset wizard
A password reset wizard will appear on the screen. Click “Next” to proceed.

Step 4: Select the password reset disk
On the next screen, select the password reset disk that you inserted earlier. Click “Next” to continue.

Step 5: Enter a new password
Now, you’ll need to enter a new password for your Windows Vista account. Choose a strong and secure password, and then reenter it in the confirmation field. Click “Next” to proceed.

windows vista Enter a new password while reset password

Step 6: Complete the password reset process
Once you’ve entered the new password, click “Finish” to complete the password reset process. You can now log in to your Windows Vista account using the newly set password.

It is important to note that this method only works if you have previously created a password reset disk. If you haven’t, or if you’re unable to locate the disk, you will need to explore alternative methods for resetting your Windows Vista password without losing any data.

Method 2: Using Renee PassNow to reset the password

Another effective method for resetting the password on Windows Vista Home Premium is by using a powerful password reset tool called Renee PassNow. This software allows users to reset forgotten passwords without any technical knowledge or previous experience.

Here are the step-by-step instructions to utilize Renee PassNow for Windows Vista Home Premium password reset:

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.

Renee PassNow – Professional Windows System Rescue Tool

Remove Windows Login Password 3 steps for whole password remove process.

Recover the files Recover the deleted files without Windows system.

Transfer the data Transfer the important files of the computer with system.

Fix Windows startup error Fix various Windows startup failures or crashes.

Erase disk Completely erase disk files which will not be restored.

Remove Windows Login Password 3 steps for whole password remove process.

Recover the files Recover the deleted files without Windows system.

Transfer the data Transfer the important files of the computer with system.

Free TrialFree TrialNow 2000 people have downloaded!

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 Vista Premium 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.

Boot the target PC with the created password reset USB/CD/DVD.

Step 4: Reset the Password
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 “Reset” 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 Server
Once the password is reset, remove the bootable media from the server and restart the computer. You will now be able to log in to Windows Vista Premium without a password.

Using Renee PassNow to reset the password provides a hassle-free and efficient solution, ensuring quick access to your Windows Vista Home Premium computer.

Method 3: Resetting the password through the Windows Vista installation disk

To reset the password in Windows Vista Home Premium using the installation disk, follow these step-by-step instructions:

1. Insert the Windows Vista installation disk into the CD/DVD drive of your computer and restart it.

2. When the computer restarts, press any key to boot from the installation disk. You may need to change the boot order in the BIOS settings to prioritize the CD/DVD drive.

3. Wait for the “Windows is loading files” message to appear. This may take a few minutes.

4. Select your language preferences and click “Next” to proceed.

5. On the next screen, click on the “Repair your computer” option located at the bottom left corner.

windows vista Repair your computer

6. In the System Recovery Options window, select your Vista installation and click “Next”.

7. In the next window, click on “Command Prompt” to open the command prompt window.

8. In the command prompt, type

copy c:\windows\system32\sethc.exe c:

and press Enter. This will create a backup of the sethc.exe file.

9. Next, type

copy /y c:\windows\system32\cmd.exe c:\windows\system32\sethc.exe

and press Enter. This will replace the sethc.exe file with a copy of the cmd.exe file.

10. Close the command prompt window and click “Restart” to restart your computer.

11. At the Vista login screen, press the

Shift

key five times in quick succession. This will open the command prompt window with administrator privileges.

12. In the command prompt, type “net user [username] [newpassword]“, replacing [username] with the actual username of the account you want to reset the password for and [newpassword] with the desired new password. Press Enter to reset the password.
Example:

net user Administrator 12345678

13. Close the command prompt and log in to your account using the newly set password (In last step example is 12345678).

By following these steps, you will be able to reset the password for your Windows Vista Home Premium account using the installation disk.

Method 4: Resetting the password using Offline NT Password

Another effective method for resetting the password on a Windows Vista home premium system is by using the Offline NT Password & Registry Editor. This tool allows you to modify the Windows registry and reset the password, enabling you to regain access to your computer.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use the Offline NT Password & Registry Editor to reset your password:

1. Start by creating a bootable USB drive or CD/DVD using the Offline NT Password and Registry Editor tool. You can download the ISO file from their official website.

https://pogostick.net/~pnh/ntpasswd/

2. Insert the bootable USB drive or CD/DVD into the target server’s CD/DVD drive. You may use ImgBurn Or Nero to burn the downloaded ISO to CD.

3. Restart the server and boot from the USB drive or CD/DVD. You may need to change the boot order in the server’s BIOS settings.

4. Once the tool is loaded, it will display a command prompt-like interface. Select the appropriate options to locate the Windows installation and SAM file.
offline nt password select disk

5. Next, select the user account for which you want to reset the password.
offline nt password select acount and reset password

6. Choose the option to reset the password and confirm the changes.

7. Finally, remove the USB drive or CD/DVD and restart the server.

8. You should now be able to log in to the Windows Vista with the newly reset password.

By following these step-by-step instructions, you can easily reset the password on your Windows Vista home premium system using the Offline NT Password & Registry Editor. It is important to note that this method should only be used if you have administrative access to the computer or if you are the owner of the system.

Tips:Before using the Offline NT Password & Registry Editor, make sure you have administrative access to the computer or you are the owner of the system.
In conclusion, resetting your password on Windows Vista Home Premium can be a straightforward process that allows you to regain access to your computer. It is always recommended to create a password reset disk beforehand, as it can be a helpful tool in case you forget your password in the future. Remember to keep your new password secure and unique to ensure the safety of your personal information. With these steps, you can confidently navigate through the password reset process and continue enjoying the features and functionalities of your Windows Vista Home Premium.