Calling all the VMware Gurus: lost admin password of my XP image

Vasishta.Sushant

Vasishta.Sushant

Level F
Well, This might be simple for the gurus but it left me perplexed and I need someone to assist me on this.
I had an XP image with some really crucial data on it. The problem is, I lost the password and username of the admin.
Now I can get the windows logon prompt but I can't get it so its as good as junk to me.
Suggest me how do I get inside. I really that data.
 
try one of those linux based ISOs for password recovery/reset, CHNTPSWD or some such tool it was called? google? (not related to vmware)
 
vishalrao said:
try one of those linux based ISOs for password recovery/reset, CHNTPSWD or some such tool it was called? google? (not related to vmware)
Click to expand...
Would I be able see the user names as well ? This sounds promising somehow.
 
If you are using a windows os(vmware host) and if you need to access just the files in the vmware guest, do the following.

1. Download vmware disk mounter from VMware Workstation 5.5 Disk Mount Utility (accept license terms)

2. Install the downloaded program.

3. shutdown your vmware guest, exit vmware workstation or vmware player

4. Notedown the location of the vmdk file(vmdk file is like the hard disk of vmware guest)

5. start a command prompt(if using vista or windows7 start the admin command prompt), navigate to c:\program files\vmware\vmware diskmount utility\

type the following commands at the prompt

6. vmware-mount /?

lists help

7. vmware-mount <path to vmdk file> /p

lists information about the volumes in the vmdk file

8. vmware-mount z: <path to vmdk file> /v:1

mounts the first volume in the vmdk to z drive. You can change /v:1 to /v:2, If you need to mount the second partition in the vmdk

9. vmware-mount z: /d

unmounts the vmdk

If you need more info, read the manual located at http://www.vmware.com/pdf/VMwareDiskMount.pdf
 
^^ +1 ..hirens boot cd is very simple and the entire process takes less than a min.
It will list the no of users and the account state.( locked or disabled)
 
Actually the trouble is little more deep.

I managed to remember one of the passwords and I can get into the Windows. But the account is limited.

Also I had this VMware ACE thing which installed the VMWare and the XP image.

I am stuck now since I am not finding a way to boot using the Unix thing and access the XP files simultaneously.

Yes I might sound a little noob but I actually am with these things. THis is the first time I am laying my hands on the VMWare stuff :P
 
Let me explain even more. The image I am talking about is an image of a software which I want. Its not just the data but the whole installation, unfortunately.

Is there a utility that can somehow crack the admin password from withing the Windows ? since I can login into the virtual machine.

Also don't know why, when I get to the user logon screen, the mouse/keyboard do not work. I mean they are so slow that they seem like non working. After few tries I manage to click on a user, add in the password and once I am in the XP desktop, all goes alright.
 
Vasishta.Sushant said:
Let me explain even more. The image I am talking about is an image of a software which I want. Its not just the data but the whole installation, unfortunately.

Is there a utility that can somehow crack the admin password from withing the Windows ? since I can login into the virtual machine.

Also don't know why, when I get to the user logon screen, the mouse/keyboard do not work. I mean they are so slow that they seem like non working. After few tries I manage to click on a user, add in the password and once I am in the XP desktop, all goes alright.
Click to expand...

Change XP Administrator Password WITHOUT KNOWING IT | Raymond.CC Blog

Reset Or Change Administrator Password On Windows XP | Raymond.CC Blog

I Forgot My Administrator Password!
 
Vasishta.Sushant said:
Let me explain even more. The image I am talking about is an image of a software which I want. Its not just the data but the whole installation, unfortunately.

Is there a utility that can somehow crack the admin password from withing the Windows ? since I can login into the virtual machine.

Also don't know why, when I get to the user logon screen, the mouse/keyboard do not work. I mean they are so slow that they seem like non working. After few tries I manage to click on a user, add in the password and once I am in the XP desktop, all goes alright.
Click to expand...
After u login, type lusrmgr.msc from run.
The rt click on the admin acc and hit Reset Password. Enter the new password and you are done.
 
@Hellgate

The shortcut you mentioned opens up the local user manager window. But since I can login only a LIMITED user, I am not sure if I'll be able to first see this (might be blocked) and second be able to reset the admin password.

I haven't tried it since I am on my Office machine. Once I head back home, I'll try and report back.

@ayanavish

I'll try to have a look at that application as well. Thanks for the inputs.
 
Easy.. if its the data that you want...

Install another XP VM.
Shut the VM down.
Attach old VM's HDD to new VM as secondary HDD.
Boot new VM (from its own HDD and not the HDD u want to copy data from) and copy data out.

Problem solved :)
 
Vasishta.Sushant said:
@Hellgate
The shortcut you mentioned opens up the local user manager window. But since I can login only a LIMITED user, I am not sure if I'll be able to first see this (might be blocked) and second be able to reset the admin password.

I haven't tried it since I am on my Office machine. Once I head back home, I'll try and report back.
Click to expand...
U can reset the password this way even if ur logged in as Guest/Standard user.
 
You asked for Vmware gurus? Is it a VMWare workstation image, if so you can simply mount the file offline and fetch your data outside it.

No need to reset any pwd.
 
Alright I didnt want to disclose it but the image is a training image that I took from a training course and want to use it at home (Need to prepare for a certification). There are softwares that are already installed on that image.

What I brought was a set of VMWare ACE files. When I clicked on the only exe in that folder, it installed the vmware and the XP image.

I hope this would make more sense to the VM guys.

@Hellgate

I tried but I guess I was denied. I could see the change password prompt and the dialogue box with the new passwords. But when I finally click, it tells me that "Access is denied."
 
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