How to create a Password Reset Disk?

This article helps in resolving password issues in Windows 8/ 8.1 (Local/ MS or Live account)
 

If you forget your Windows password, you can use a password reset disk to create a new one. We recommend that you create a password reset disk when you create your password, so you don't lose access to your files and information.
 

A password reset disk can only be created for local user accounts. If your computer is on a domain, a system administrator can reset your domain password. If you forget your Windows password, you can use a password reset disk to create a new one. We recommend that you create a password reset disk when you create your password, so you don't lose access to your files and information.

Resolving Local Account Password Issues in Windows 8/ 8.1

Create a Password Reset Disk

Use a CD, DVD or USB memory key to create a password reset disk using the following steps:

1. Log in to the account to create a password
2. Insert a writeable CD or DVD, or connect a USB flash drive to the computer
3. Type "password reset" while on the Start Screen and select Create a password reset disk, or follow these instructions:
   • Swipe in from the right side of the screen to open the Charms bar (if using a mouse, hover on the top right corner of the screen and move the pointer down to open the Charms bar) then select Settings. Alternately, press the Windows + I keys to go directly to the Settings Charm
   • Select Control Panel
   • Select User Accounts
   • Click on the Create a password reset disk link on the left side of the screen
4. Click Next to continue. Select the drive for the disc or flash drive that was connected earlier, and select Next
5. Enter the current password for the local account and click Next. If this disk was already used to create password reset information, click Yes to overwrite the existing password data
6. When the data is successfully written, click Next to continue, then Finish to complete the wizard 

Anyone can use this disk to access the account on this computer, so it is important that the disk is stored in a secure but accessible location

 Using the Password Reset Disk

If a reset disk is there, follow these steps:

1. At the Windows logon screen, click Reset password

2. Insert the recovery CD, DVD or USB key

3. Follow the instructions on-screen to create a new password

4. Log onto the account using the new password

Password reset disks are valid for the account they were created on. If a password reset disk is used to recover the password, there is no need to create a new reset disk afterwards

 Without Using Password Reset Disk

If the local account password is lost/forgotten, and a password reset disk is not available, reinstalling the operating system is the next best solution. For information on reinstalling Windows, refer to SLN291833

Resolving MS/ Live Account Password Issues in Windows 8/ 8.1

Occasionally when signed in to Hotmail, one might see an error like, "It looks like there’s a problem with Hotmail right now. It should be fixed soon, so please try again in a few minutes." These types of errors are temporary and are usually resolved quickly. One can also try troubleshooting the problem. If one forgets the password or know it but still can’t sign in, might need to reset the password to get access to the account for Hotmail, Messenger, and other Microsoft services. Here are some things which can be tried to help fix a sign-in problem:

Sign in on a different computer

Sign in to the account on a different computer/ try using a different computer on a different Internet connection. If the user can sign in on that computer, it's possible that there has been a temporary issue with the connection, computer, or browser settings. Here are some things that can be tried to resolve the issue with the computer:

• Restart the computer

• Check to see if the computer’s date and time are set correctly

• Set your browser to accept third-party cookies

Sign in to other Microsoft sites or services

Check sign in to other Microsoft sites or services, such as Hotmail, SkyDrive, or MSN. If the user can sign in to one of these sites, the issue is likely with the site they were trying to sign in to, not with the account.

Check the firewall and antivirus programs

Check the documentation for the firewall or antivirus programs you're using, to see if they might be blocking the site you’re trying to access.

Reset your password

First check to make sure that the Caps Lock isn’t on, because passwords are case-sensitive. If unable to sign in even after using the correct password, the account might be compromised. Follow the below steps to reset the password:

1. Go to the Reset your password page

2. Choose the option that matches the problem, and then follow the instructions on the screen

3. Choose how to reset the password, and then follow the instructions