How to Locate a User Password in Windows

With most version of Windows, including the latest Windows 7, you can set up several user names and passwords to keep information and files on your computer private. However, if you forget one of your passwords you may find yourself unable to access some documents and applications. For security reasons, Microsoft will not allow you to locate your user password in the registry. However, you can download third-party software that specializes in recovering Windows passwords.

• 1

  Download the password recovery program of your choice. Ophcrack, Windows Key and Cain & Abel work on most versions of Windows.

• 2

  Click "Save File" in the dialog box to download the software. Double-click the program icon on your desktop and click "Install."

• 3

  Launch the program and locate your user name in the menu. Click the user name and select "Recover." The password recovery process may take a few hours if your password was long or complicated.