Troubleshooting: Password Reset Disk Not Working

Help! My password reset disk not working

If you forget your login password, a password reset disk is a preventative measure that allows you to reset your password, regaining access to your computer. It is created in advance and can be a lifesaver when you find yourself locked out of your computer.

However, there are instances where creating a password reset disk not working as expected. This can be frustrating, but in the following content, several solutions can be taken to overcome this issue. Before finding the solutions, you may need to know the reasons for this issue.

Why is my password reset disk not working?

There are a few reasons why a password reset disk does not work:

★ Incorrect password reset disk. If you have multiple user accounts or have created multiple password reset disks, it's crucial to ensure that you are using the correct one for the specific user account. Using an incorrect password reset disk will not allow you to reset the password successfully.
★ Disk compatibility issues. Sometimes, a password reset disk created on one computer may not work on another computer due to compatibility issues. Different operating systems or configurations can affect the disk's functionality.
★ Changes in user account details. If you have made changes to your user account details, such as modifying the username or password, the password reset disk may no longer be valid. The disk is tied to specific user account information at the time of creation.

Solutions for password reset disk not working problem

When encountering issues with a password reset disk not functioning properly, there are alternative solutions that can be explored.

✦ Method 1. Double-check the password reset disk

Ensure that you are using the correct password reset disk for the user account you are trying to reset. Try using any other password reset disks you have created to see if they work. It's possible that you may have forgotten which disk is associated with the correct user account.

✦ Method 2. Ensure compatibility with the operating system

If you are using a password reset disk created on a different computer or an older operating system version, it may not be compatible with your current system. Try creating a new password reset disk on the same computer or a computer with a similar operating system version as the one you are using.

✦ Method 3. Reset Windows Password with other options

When the created password reset disk not work, in addition to the password reset disk, you can also try other methods when you lose the PC password. Go ahead and find one you would like to try.

✿ Alternative 1. Run CMD under Win RE

If you're unable to access your PC with a created password reset disk, you can utilize the Command Prompt (CMD) within the Windows Recovery Environment to resolve common issues. Follow these steps to reset the password.

Step 1. On the PC login screen, hold down the "Shift" key, click on "Restart", and select "Troubleshoot".

Step 2. Click "Advanced options" and then select "Command Prompt".

Step 3. Once the Command Prompt opens, enter "diskpart" and press "Enter".

Step 4. Type "list volume" and hit "Enter" to view all the disks on your PC. Take note of the drive letter for the system drive. Then, enter "exit" and press "Enter".

Step 5. Input "move E:\windows\system32\utilman.exe E:" and press "Enter" to transfer the utilman.exe file back to the original directory of the PC's system drive.

Step 6. Enter "copy E:\windows\system32\cmd.exe E:\windows\system32\utilman.exe" and press "Enter" to copy the cmd.exe file to the intended path.

Step 7. Type "wpeutil reboot" and press "Enter" to reboot the system.

Step 8. Click on the user icon located in the lower right corner, enter "net user "Leah George" 2022", and press "Enter" to reset the password to "2022".

 ✿ Alternative 2. Try a reliable and functional software to reset the password

If you find the CMD too complex to use, we recommend the reliable AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional. This software can be used on Windows 11/10/8/8.1/7/XP/Vista.

In the clean and clear operating interface, you can get rid of the confusion that the password reset disk not working. With the "Reset Windows Password" feature, it enables you to create a bootable USB and then effectively reset the password on any Windows PC brand.

Additionally, this magic tool offers other functions to optimize your PC, such as allocating free space, converting between MBR and GPT, deleting large files, and so on.

Step 1. Connect the prepared USB drive to a functioning computer and download the tool. Launch the tool and navigate to "Tools" followed by "Reset Windows Password".

Step 2. A small window will appear. Proceed by clicking "Next".

Step 3. Choose the USB Boot Device and select "Proceed" to format the USB drive.

Step 4. Carefully review the warning prompt that appears and click "Yes" to continue.

Step 5. Allow some time for the creation of the password reset USB. Once completed, click "Finish".

Step 6. Remove the created bootable USB drive from the functioning computer and insert it into the locked PC. Restart the laptop and modify the boot order to prioritize the USB drive. Boot the computer from the USB drive and select the Windows system. Proceed by clicking "Next".

Step 7. On the interface, you will find a list of all the user accounts on the computer. Choose the target account and select the option "Reset Account Password". Click "Next" to initiate the password reset process.

Step 8. In the subsequent small window, enter the new password and click "Yes".

Verdict

While the password reset disk not working, it may encounter issues that prevent it from working as expected. By following the solutions outlined in this article, you can increase the chances of resolving the problem and regaining access to your computer.

If you tend to try AOMEI Partition Assistant to reset your Windows Server password, you can turn to the Server Version.