Can I recover Windows XP Pro Admin p/w using Linux Mint disk?

Question

I have this program on a DVD disk (Mint).

It allows me to access the web in a very limited way (many pictures and video don't show and no sound at all), and also some of my files that were saved on Windows (not all).

It is locked in while I am using it, and so I can't copy any suggested programs onto a boot disk (solutions I have read about elsewhere require this).

The problem is I am locked out of Windows completely (Windows XP Pro) since the stored password seems to have become corrupted.

Does anyone know a way I can cross over into my Windows files that store the passwords, so I can find the password (using this Linux Mint disk)? I am the owner of the machine, and the Windows XP Pro (which came loaded on it - so no disc - but sticker with product key is on machine). I am also owner of all data on it (which I don't want to lose).

Any solutions that fit this situation would be very appreciated, thank you.

[P.S. Please be aware, I have a virtually no knowledge of Window, Linux, and computers in general, (am trying to learn if I can) so any solutions need to be spelled out like I'm a total <ADMIN NOTE: Profanity removed as per TOU> ].

P. P. S. Here is discussion link so far (tried for help in Linux Mint forum) ...

http://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.php?f=90&t=134846

DELL-Rajath N · Answer

Hi AnotherNewb,

Linux will not be able to reset Windows password as they are two different platforms. However, you may be able to recover the data that is stored on the Windows partition by mounting the drive in Linux. Ubuntu can mount Windows partitions and can be used to move the data to an external hard drive or flash drive. You can refer the link provided below for instructions on how to backup data on a USB drive using Ubuntu:
http://bit.ly/2D4Pn4

You will have to perform a clean install on Windows XP Professional after data backup as the Administrator password cannot be reset or recovered.

rdunnill · Answer

Does anyone know a way I can cross over into my Windows files that store the passwords, so I can find the password (using this Linux Mint disk)?

You can use Linux live media to boot the system, and then copy the Windows password files ( \config\SAM and \config\SYSTEM) to removable storage. Afterwards, you can crack them using the likes of Ophcrack, Cain and Abel or John the Ripper.

I was tasked with recovering the password for a twelve-year-old's netbook and that technique worked well.

Windows General

Can I recover Windows XP Pro Admin p/w using Linux Mint disk?

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