Administrator password

If you do want to brute force the password to see what it was set to, then you must obtain a copy of the system's SAM database and use a tool such as L0phtcrack to brute force crack the password. To get a copy of the SAM database, use NTFSDOS or a Linux boot disk with NTFS drivers on it. Either of those tool will allow you to boot a system from floppy and then read the installed NTFS partitions. You can find NTFSDOS at Winternals while Linux boot disks are available at various sites such as Ken Pfiel's NT Toolbox Web site.

But if you've got access to the SAM database, then why not just reset the Administrator password to something known and be done with it? In that scenario, you can use NT Locksmith, also available at the Winternals Web site. Of course Locksmith costs money, so if you must have a cost-free way out of password recovery, then use a Linux boot disk that comes with a tool that can perform that action.

The Linux boot disk available for download at The NT Toolbox comes with the ability to reset an NT system's Administrator password, and its completely free of charge. Of course you get what you pay for, so don't expect a ton of documentation and an experience professional waiting for you to call for help. When it comes to support you'll have to wing it. But don't worry, using the boot disk to reset a password is much easier and quicker than re-installing NT, so it's worth any problems you may encounter.

I think every security administrator should have a copy of a Linux boot disk like the one at NT Toolbox. Be sure to download a copy, and don't forget to have a floppy disk available. Once you download the zip file, just unzip it and run the included executable file to create the actual floppy-based boot disk. While you're at The NT Toolbox be sure to check out the other great security-related tools available for download. Click Here to buy a Reprint or Eprint of a Security Administrator Article

What I am going to say sounds very bad, but this is what I think about this kind of question:
- did you tried at least 10 minutes on the net to find how you can recover an administrator password? I don't think so, because if you'd do that you'd have allready the answer.
Even in this forum there were many answers pointing to how recover a password, but you don't even think about checking on the posts here.
Just an advice for your future carrier - I suggest you to act as an IT pro - try to solve yourself the problem first, and if not, ask for help.

That being said - check on the forum here for other ways of "hacking" an adminsitrator password.

Sounds like your network has more problems than a missing admin password. If your domain was setup correctly you could use a domain admin account or an account with admin privelages to install service packs or change the local admin password. But if that is not the case the above mentioned linux tool will work. I cant remember the name of the tool but once youve got it you should check the web site of the developer and read the documentation to make sure you use the right switches. The tool should only be used as a last resort. http://the-paynes.com/nt-passwd-recovery.html.

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