Forgot Windows 7 password – how to access files without reinstalling?

What should you do if forget Windows 7 password? Using the Sticky Keys backdoor is a well-known method that can be employed to bypass the login screen if you are trying to reset or remove a Windows 7 password. Essentially, this technique involves replacing the Sticky Keys executable (sethc.exe) with a command prompt (cmd.exe) file.

When you reach the login screen, you can trigger Sticky Keys by pressing the Shift key multiple times, which then opens a command prompt with system privileges instead of the usual Sticky Keys interface. From this command prompt:

cmd

# Backup original file

copy c:\windows\system32\sethc.exe c:\windows\system32\sethc.bak

# Replace Sticky Keys with Command Prompt

copy c:\windows\system32\cmd.exe c:\windows\system32\sethc.exe

You can execute commands to enable the built-in Administrator account or reset your user password, making it a useful trick if you've forgot Windows 7 password and can't log in.

This method is often used by technicians or experienced users to recover access to a locked account without reinstalling Windows. However, it’s important to note that using this technique can compromise security if misused, and should only be employed on systems you own or have explicit permission to access.