How to change a WinXP password from CMD

If you've forgotten the password to your Windows user account, changing it through the Control Panel won't do you any good--it requires that you confirm the old password before it will let you change it. However, if you have access to the administrator account on your computer, you can change the password very easily through the command prompt.

1. Log into an account with administrative privileges on your computer.
2. Click on the "Start" button.
3. Click "Run" and type "cmd" into the box. Press "Enter" to open the command prompt.
4. Type the following into the command prompt "Net User" & hit "Enter" to continue.
5. Look for the Windows account from the list whose password you want to be ressetted.
6. Continue by typing the command in the command prompt
   "Net User Username *"
7. Replace "Username" with your Windows account name. Press "Enter."
8. Type your new password and press "Enter." Retype the password and press "Enter" again to complete the password change.