A Fistful Of Password Busting Tools for Your Travels
If it's Windows you're after, don't forget about trying the easy way first. Reboot, hold F8 down, and boot to safe mode. Log in as Administrator with a blank password. It works on a scary number of systems, and you'll be able to clear or change any other password on the system.
Don't get too paranoid, Windows users. Removing passwords on other systems really isn't all that hard either.
Now, on to the tools!
Offline NT Password & Reg-Editor. There's an excellent walkthrough on the site, including instructions on writing the image to floppy, CD, or a USB drive. Works on almost all versions of NT, from 3.51 right up to Vista. Some success has even been reported on 2008. It's also included on Ultimate Boot CD.
PING. One of my favorite drive cloning apps also includes a utility to blank Admin passwords. It's a great disc to keep in your technician's tool kit.
Ophcrack. Runs on OSX, Linux, and Windows and uses rainbow tables to crack Windows passwords. Several tables are available for download, ranging in size from 380mb to 8gb.
Don't forget Nirsoft for Windows application passwords. Their apps will help you find Messenger, Mail, Dial Up, Firefox, Internet Explorer, and several other passwords, as well as wireless keys.
What about Mac? Grab yourself an OSX boot disc and read up. This article takes you through the process step-by-step. Linux users that need help resetting root's password can read this one for help.
Got another helpful tool to suggest? Comment it so the rest of us can add it to our kits!
