If you like, you can actually use chntpw by giving it the appropriate option, but I like to use interactive mode, which makes it a little easier. Type chntpw -h to familiarize yourself with the different options and usage of chntpw. To blank out or change the Windows password:ģ. *Note that in Windows Vista or Windows 7, the physical registry location is in 'System32,' with a capital 'S' Now, to make it a little easier, go ahead and switch to the location of the Windows Sam file and other hive files. Mount the partition using the ntfs-3g or mount command:Ģ.

The device should look something like “/dev/sda1.”

If you don’t know what device it is on, you can use the cfdisk command and it will tell you the device. Using chntpw is pretty straightforward, especially if you use interactive mode.įirst, boot the SystemRescue CD, or other Linux Live CD.Ĭlick on any of the images in this chntpw guide to see them full size.ġ. Using chntpw is a great way to reset a Windows Password or otherwise gain access to a Windows machine when you don’t know what the password it. In addition to a number of useful command line tools, the SystemRescue CD also includes an X environment, where you can use graphical tools such as Firefox and gparted.įor those not familiar with it, chntpw is a Linux tool that can be used to edit the windows registry, reset a users password, and promote a user to administrator, as well as several other useful options. It includes a number of extremely useful utilities for recovering data and fixing a broken machine that is running Windows or Linux. SystemRescueCd is a Linux Live CD that is based off of Knoppix Linux. This tutorial describes the basics of using chntpw, which is included on the SystemRescue CD.

Sam file location windows 7