Few things are more maddening than trying repeatedly to log on, only to realize that you’ve forgotten your password! If this happens, you have two choices: You can reset the password (or, if you’re a member of the Standard group, you can ask an Administrator to reset it for you), which means that you’ll lose all your settings and any security credentials and certificates; or you can use your Password Reset disk or USB storage device to log on and reset your password and save all your settings and credentials. The latter is obviously the better choice, so you should create a Password Reset disk while you still remember your password.
Insert a disk or USB storage device into your computer, click the Start button, and then click your account picture to display the User Accounts window for your account. Click Create A Password Reset Disk in the Tasks list to start the Forgotten Password Wizard.
Go through the first two steps of the wizard, and then enter your current password when prompted. Click Next.
Wait for the necessary information to be copied to your disk or storage device, and then complete the wizard. Remove the disk or storage device, label it as your Password Reset disk, and place it in a secure location.
If you ever forget your password, insert the disk or storage device, and click Reset Password to start the Reset Password Wizard. Step through the wizard, typing a new password and a new (and better!) password hint. After you’ve completed the wizard, type your new password, and press Enter to log on with your new password.