Do you need to reset a Windows 10 password? Microsoft doesn’t make it easy to reset Windows 10 passwords when they are lost or forgotten.  That is important to keep unwanted users off your computer. Below I give you the steps that show how to perform a Hirens Boot CD password reset on Windows 10. You can use either a CD/DVD or USB flash drive. I’ll show you where to get the files and download them for free, and show you which ones you need for your case. This method works on Windows 10 and 8. If you need to do it on an older version of windows, there is a link below for that too.

We have an older article that will help you if you are looking to reset a password on Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows Vista, and even Windows 8.

If you are looking for how to reset a password on the most recent version of Windows, I have a more recent article here: ‘Hiren boot Windows 11 password reset‘.

Side note – maybe of interest to other Techs

Before I go on, if you are in IT (and reading this page, there is a good chance you are!) then you might be interested in something I have become interested in just now.

It is called Atera, and it would be great for anyone with a small IT services business.

If you’re interested or want to learn more, Learn more about Atera here!

So moving on, based on the changes I’m aware of in Windows 11, there might not be any change to the relevant parts. In any case, it could work at least in some circumstances. But I know it works for other versions, so here goes.

NOTE: One of the more useful tips in this article is to use the USB method. Most Windows 11 machines don’t come with a CD player anymore!

How to use Hirens boot cd for password reset on Windows 10

As I’ve said before, Hiren’s BootCD is an excellent utility that you can create on CD, DVD or USB. These days it actually works better on USB!

Read on to find out how to enable this password reset method.

Step 1: Choose CD or USB and download software

The current version (at time of writing) is Hiren’s BootCD PE x64

CD method

First of all, you’ll need the Hiren’s boot CD software. If you want to set up a CD iso download it here (scroll down to the download button at the bottom).

When the zip file has downloaded, double-click the file to extract it.  You will then need to burn the ISO file to a writable CD. For this you can use programs like ‘Free ISO Burner’ (or ImgBurn and many more – perhaps you already have suitable software).

USB Method (Hiren’s boot USB Windows 10 password reset)

If creating ISO versions are annoying to you, or your laptop doesn’t have a CD player, then you will need to put it on a USB. It is possible and it’s much better these days as every machine will have a USB port. It’s probably easier too.

To create a USB boot up version you will need to download the USB Alternative as an executable file (opens in a new tab – this is handy as it has the details on setting up your USB). This will ensure you copy the content and manage the USB drive properly.

So, just to be clear: you need Hiren’s BootCD PE – ISO2USB if you want to use boot from a USB, and Hiren’s BootCD PE x64 if you are going to create a boot CD/DVD.

Warning: Be certain you use a new or blank USB as you will lose everything on one that has data on it. The process includes a reformat and the USB will lose any partitions.

Note: you will need to set up either the bootable CD or USB on another computer. Yes I know this is probably obvious, but I suppose it doesn’t hurt to point it out.

Step 2: Boot from the CD or USB

With the CD version, put it into the computer that needs its password reset and boot from it.  You will likely have to change the computer’s boot order in the BIOS in order to boot from the CD.

Note: When using the USB or flash drive version, you will only see USB options in the list of devices.

Step 3: Select Windows PE from the menu

Windows PE is for deployment and recovery, in other words it is the mini XP for Windows 10.

When you boot from the CD, you will see a Hiren’s boot menu, a little like the one below.  Move down to “Offline NT/2000/XP/Vista/7 Password Changer” (using the arrow key) and press enter.

Note, if you have an older version of Windows, you can use Mini Windows XP as first highlighted.

As I state above, this is the deployment and recovery version for Windows 10.

To perform the password reset (or clear) in Windows 10 select ‘Offline… Password Changer’ in Hiren’s bootCD menu. (Yes your version will be newer than mine shown.)

Note: As is written on the screen, Don’t Panic! Several lines of text will roll up the screen, which may be a little disconcerting the first time you see it.

Step 4: If necessary Select the partition

If more than one partition is identified, it will prompt you to select the one (disk) where Windows 10 is installed.

Note: Windows 10 installation normally takes up around 30 GB (ie. 30k MB) – that might help you identify its partition.

If prompted, type the number corresponding to the Windows partition on the screen.

Step 5: Acknowledge or Select Path

I expect most PCs will have the default path as Windows/System32/config.

For most PCs you can just hit <Enter>.

Step 6: Select the default Hirens boot cd PE Windows 10 password reset

You can just press <Enter> again, because it is the ‘password reset’ option we need.

Step 7: Select to Reset Administrator or another user password

You will have a few options at this point to select the user account that needs its password reset.

The user accounts will now be displayed and usually include Administrator and Guest in addition to the users normal set name, which you (or they) should easily recognise.

Reset Administrator password Windows 10 with Hiren boot cd:

Type ‘Administrator’ and press <Enter>.

Reset (User account) password on Windows 10 with Hiren boot cd:

In your case it’s you or your client’s username.

Type the username from the list and press <Enter>.

Step 8: Select the Option to Clear Password

Type ‘1’ and press <Enter> for the default option ‘Clear (blank) user password’, as this is the actual step that will reset a password in Windows 10 by Hirens boot CD *.

You should get feedback that it is successful, ‘Password cleared’.

Note: * You will need to save the changes as you exit.

Press ‘q’ and hit <Enter> to commence quitting the main menu.

Note: Yes you can write a new password rather than clear it.

Step 9: Save Changes

You will be prompted to save changes. Hit the ‘y’ key for yes (and press <Enter>), and your password reset will be saved (ie. the password is saved as clear).

Step 10: Reboot

You are now ready to reboot the machine.  Remove the CD or USB, and then restart.  You or the user can now log into the computer without a password. Awesome! You’ve done a Hirens boot CD password reset in Windows 10!

Summary of how to use Hirens boot CD Password Reset on Windows 10

First you choose whether you want to use the CD or the USB version. Remember to make sure you use a blank USB when using the USB version or one that you don’t mind to reformat and lose any data on it. It’s a great utility that I recommend elsewhere on TheTechMentor.com. Download the appropriate file from the CD or USB link above and install. Follow the steps above that show how to perform a Hiren boot CD/USB reset password in Windows 10. Below follow some FAQs.

The post How To Reset A Windows 10 Password With Hirens Boot CD appeared first on TheTechMentor.com.

Note: The links provided cover the top two brands in this type of product range, in my opinion. It is not however a recommendation to buy one brand over another. I aim to be transparent over my biasses where they exist and give you enough information to decide for yourself what you want to get. Some links are affiliate links which mean I could earn a small fee and it won’t cost you any more. It is one way we keep supporting this website to provide it for free! Enjoy!

Internal Page jumps (click to go to section):

At a Glance – Table of Thermal Camera iPhone Module Specs

FLIR ONE Thermal Camera iPhone Module

FLIR One Price

FLIR ONE Pro Thermal Camera iPhone Module

Thermal Camera Apps

SEEK Compact Thermal Infrared Camera iPhone

SEEK Compact XR Thermal Infrared Camera iPhone

SEEK Compact Pro Thermal Infrared Camera iPhone

Flir Vs SEEK thermal camera iPhone Modules

My Experience with Thermal Imaging

Summary of Thermal Camera iPhone Modules

To make it easy I’ve collated the basic and comparable specs in one clear table.

At a glance – Specs of Thermal Camera Modules for iPhone

Note that these raw specs don’t necessarily define performance. In particular, the Flir MSX technology does improve image quality despite the sensor being of fewer pixels.

Model	Image Sensor	Temperature range		Price or Link to buy
		Deg F	Deg. C
FLIR thermal camera iPhone modules
Flir One (Gen 3)	80 x 60	-4 to 248	-20 to 120	Buy Flir One (Gen 3) or view price
Flir One Pro	160 x 120	-4 to 752	-20 to 400	Buy Flir One Pro or check price
SEEK thermal camera iPhone modules
Seek Compact	206 x 156	-40 to 626	-40 to 330	Buy Seek Compact or check price
Seek Compact XR	206 x 156	-40 to 626	-40 to 330	Buy Seek Compact XR or check price
Seek Compact PRO	320 x 240	-40 to 626	-40 to 330	Buy Seek Compact Pro or check price

Note also (sometimes) available is the ‘InfiRay P2 Pro Thermal Camera for iPhone’. However I have not covered it here as it is not available at the time of this update to this article. Impressively they clain it is the smallest thermal camera in the world. This would be nice as it means it won’t take up much extra space. If you feel lucky and want to see if it is currently available, click here.

I will first focus on the FLIR iPhone module. (You can always jump to the bottom via the in-page links above if you can’t wait to read about my experience ha-ha).

FLIR One Thermal Camera iPhone Module

The Flir One Thermal Camera iPhone Module is now at generation 3.

I’ve used a professional stand-alone thermal imaging camera for many years. This module puts that capability in the hands of every iPhone user. For most people, you will find saving, sharing or sending the heat photos or thermal videos easier than a stand-alone hand-held thermographic camera as you already know how to do those actions with your mobile phone.

The unmistakable two lens Flir One thermal camera iPhone module. Shown is actually the more robust Pro version, the non-pro version looks similar and very nice!

The Flir One has two cameras – a visible spectrum camera and an IR heat camera.

The two images are processed using something they call MSX imaging. This gives a combined view of the thermal image and the visual range image. This alone provides outstanding usefulness.

This is a valuable approach for these reasons:

• The technology helps refine the thermal image on your iPhone
• It clarifies what you are looking at in the thermal image
• It may (more than) compensate for the lower number of sensor pixels (compared to the Seek Compact thermal image iPhone module).

Click here to buy Flir One (Gen 3) or see more images.

If you need to be able to take separate visible range and thermal images, you should consider the Flir One Pro, which has separate modes for MSX, thermal image and visible range.

Best practice Thermal imaging/reporting

Trust me, it is worthwhile to take a normal photo of the same thing in addition to the thermal image (if operating without MSX mode). It helps see exactly what you are looking at when there is insufficient thermal difference between objects onscreen to be clear what it actually is.

Please Note: this is not an issue with thermal image quality. Often you will find multiple things in the view are at the same or very similar temperature. It means that without it you might not be able to tell what you are looking at in some images, particularly after several days have elapsed or with many images of an overall similar nature.

The down side of the MSX and two camera system, is that for macro thermal images (i.e. very close up) the visible range and thermal images may not overlap very well.

You can still make out what you are looking at of course, so it still fills that need. The image is just not as ‘nice’. Once you understand this, it is perfectly usable. However you might not want to put images that appear to be of poorer quality into a report if you are a professional.

In my opinion, the FLIR One Thermal Camera iPhone Module is so cool!

• You can use it as a professional (go for the Pro module) or you can have one for the home toolkit.
• This thermal imaging module can fit in your pocket.
• It attaches to your iPhone lightning port, giving your iPhone thermal imaging capability. Wow!
  
• Use your iPhone IR Camera to check and repair your home’s insulation, computer cooling, and more!
• You can do electrical thermography with this module, i.e. use it for electrical inspections!

All this at a very low affordable price!

Now, speaking of cost, what is the FLIR One price?

FLIR One Price

Many people do not appreciate just how cheap the FLIR One is. Priced to make personal thermal imaging cameras available to the masses, these modules are very affordable.

The FLIR One Price is incredibly cheap at under $200 dollars!

Absolutely a bargain. There are different prices for different models, the current model is Gen 3 and there is also a Pro version (see below). You can check the exact FLIR One price (and buy one) here.

Just think about that for a moment. For less than four hundred dollars you can have in your hand similar technology to that used in films like Predator and The Terminator! Out of this world!

Use it with your iPhone to create your own thermal image footage for your own predator-like movies for a fraction of the price it would have been for those movie producers!

FLIR One Price – Professional model

The FLIR One price is more for the pro version (around double at almost $370 with discount). The FLIR One Pro is their professional level thermal camera iPhone module. The FLIR One price is around $400 for the professional model (with no or small discount). Considering the high resolution thermal imaging it is capable of, that is an incredibly low price!

You can check the Pro Flir One price (and availability) here.

Less than $370 with the current 19% discount (at the time of updating this article). Get while the price is this low if you can!

Let’s consider the technical specifications and consider if the FLIR one price for the professional model is reasonable (or rather enticing!).

FLIR ONE Pro Thermal Camera iPhone Module

This high resolution infrared camera has greatly increased image detail and clarity for a handheld device. The pro version iPhone thermal image quality is improved.

The Gen 3 claims a 4 times improvement in high resolution imaging. When you think about how long FLIR have been making thermal imaging cameras for the iPhone and in general, this improvement is significant. (However the Seek has more pixels in the sensor.)

Flir One pro iPhone Thermal Imaging module (rear view). Looks solid, and it is – It is officially drop-test rated (the only one that is, I believe).

When you compare the FLIR One to the FLIR One Pro, there is a remarkable clarification and refinement of image. The software makes intelligent refinement of the thermal image.

The electrical elements within the infrared module are rated to 140 F. (That is up to 60 degrees Celsius.) This basically means they use standard electrical components that are not ‘high temperature’ rated. Just to explain: true ‘high temperature’ rated electrical equipment has a higher standard of soldering and connections during manufacture. Where applied, this can give devices temperature ratings over 160 Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius).

While this could be an issue for some, it is unlikely most users (including professionals) would want to use such a device where it is over 140 degrees F (60 degrees Celsius), nor risk their iPhone!

Sure you are monitoring or looking for hot equipment, or possibly fires, but you are not likely to want to take your phone into a location which itself is that hot! So there is no need to rate the module to more than the temperature you would be willing to take your iPhone into.

Mechanical toughness

The pro version is rated for a fall of 6 feet (1.8 metres). These drop tests are rigorous, so to be the only module rated is significant as it is no easy feat.

So when you are carrying it to or on a job and drop it on a worksite or at home, you can have a little confidence that it is not going to be turned into 50 pieces!

In any case I don’t recommend you test it on purpose, just in case. You certainly don’t want to test it while connected to your iPhone! I’m not sure your phone would cope. Perhaps if you have one of those industrial iPhone cases…

So the FLIR One price is very reasonable for the professional model, and it gives you higher resolution, higher quality and robustness of construction. If for your work, it is worth getting the Flir One Pro.
Click to buy Flir One Pro or see more images

Buy iPhone IR Camera Online?

Want to buy a FLIR One Module online? Sure, it is easy. But just before you go ahead and do that, please read this warning:

WARNING: There is a FLIR One Thermal Imaging Camera for Android too. Be sure when you go to buy (as I’m sure you now immediately want to!) please make sure to review the site you are purchasing from to make sure you are buying the right one – because there are three as follows (i.e. do not get the Android one when you need the iPhone IR camera module):

• FLIR ONE Gen 3 Pro – iOS thermal camera* the FLIR ONE for iOS personal thermal imager
• Not to be confused with: FLIR ONE Gen 3 Pro – Android (USB-C) FLIR ONE for Android personal thermal imager with USB connection, or
• FLIR ONE Gen 3 Pro – Android (micro USB) FLIR ONE for Android personal thermal imager with micro USB connection

So please note to get the iOS thermal camera version, (not the Android as stated above) as the connections (and workings) are different.
Now onto the thermal camera Apps.

Thermal Camera Apps

Both Flir and Seek have a thermal camera app. The review of the Seek thermal infrared camera module is further below.

Flir Thermal Camera App

The thermal camera App for iPhone must be downloaded and installed onto your phone before use.

Note: The recommended version of the FLIR ONE camera app software is 3.1.11 or later.

You can download the FLIR ONE iPhone app here.

SEEK Thermal Camera App

Similarly the SEEK Thermal Camera App for iPhone must be downloaded and installed before you can use it. You can download the SEEK Thermal Camera App for iPhone here.

With the app you can easily swipe between camera and video modes. I note some SEEK Thermal App reviewers have complained that it is not up to date for newer iPhones.

SEEK Compact Thermal Infrared Camera Module

The Seek “Compact” thermal imager for Iphone is plug and play. This means you can simply connect and away you go. Functions are better with the app.

You can immediately see it is smaller than the Flir design. Another clearly visible difference is the single lens only.

Seek Compact iPhone IR camera module. Click image to see more photos on Amazon. You will see it is smaller than the FIR products.

Seek thermal imager has an adjustable focus which allows you to fine tune your iPhone’s thermal image.

Your phone’s camera is at the ready of course to take a normal photo image to keep along side your iPhone thermal image. The app is necessary to assist with this.

The temperature range on the Seek is much wider than on the Flir One. I’m not sure how many of you will need it, but it is important to be aware that the Flir One (Gen 3) goes from -4 to to 248 degrees F (-20 to +120 deg. Celsius) whereas the Seek Thermal goes from -40 to 626 deg. F (-40 to 330 deg. C).
Click to buy Seek Compact or see more images.

SEEK Compact XR Thermal Infrared Camera Module

The XR is similar and is the later model but has a narrower viewing angle. It is 20 degrees compared to 36 degrees. This can make you feel like you are too close for near objects as they appear larger than you expect in the heat image.

Seek Compact XR iPhone IR module – note the different lens appearance.

However it is handy for objects further away or if you are trying to get better detail of the image.

Official range is from 6 inches to 1800 feet (15 cm to 550 m) for the XR compared to the lesser range for the Compact which extends to 1000 feet (300 m).

This is an advantage over the Flir which doesn’t give a specific distance rating.
Click to buy the Seek Compact XR or view more images.

SEEK Compact Pro Thermal Infrared Camera

The SEEK Compact Pro Thermal Infrared Camera iPhone module is the best of the SEEK iPhone IR conversion modules. It has higher resolution.

The main difference between the Seek Compact XR and the Seek Compact Pro is the thermal image sensor.

The Sensor in the Pro has 320 by 240 pixels compared to the 206 by 156 of the XR.
Click to buy Seek Compact Pro or see more images.

Flir Vs SEEK thermal camera iPhone modules

The Seek is smaller than the Flir, but the Flir is shaped to match the width of your iPhone so this is not a significant difference. The Seek has a lens arrangement that juts out further than the Flir, which is all in the one body.

Resolution: The Seek compact has more thermal imaging pixels in the sensor than in the Flir One. This could be significant to you, depending on your use.

Comparing the bottom of the range models, the Flir One can be considered to perform better when visualizing many objects because it has the second built-in camera combine with the thermal image with what they call MSX imaging.

The built-in MSX software combines the thermal image with the visible range image, which gives you a better indication of what you are looking at. However the Seek sensor has more pixels, so if your subject has sufficient temperature variation then this should give a better detailed thermal image.

In many respects the Flir one gives you a better idea of what you are looking at than the Seek thermal despite the lower sensor pixel count.

The main two guys who started Seek also created a previous company that they sold to Flir. This was after Flir was already making large thermal imaging cameras (well after I was using Flir thermal imaging cameras which was over 15 years ago). This should tell you that both are reputable and have a long history and technical knowledge of thermal imaging.

Connectivity

The Flir One Pro has an adjustable lightning connector which makes it very hand to insert without removal of your iPhone case (if you already have one) for all but the thickest of cases. It is the best thermal camera iPhone module for connectivity because of this.

The Seek modules can be bought with an ‘Otterbox’ protective case, which connects into the iPhone ‘Otterbox’ case.

Overall rating Flir Vs Seek

It is difficult for me to be entirely impartial, as I have used Flir thermal imaging cameras for many more years than SEEK. But based on my reviews above, I still believe the Flir One is the better low cost version of the two entry-level thermal camera iPhone models, due to the MSX view technology.

Having said that on Amazon, the higher rating thermal camera iPhone module is the Seek with 3.8 stars compared to the Flir with 3.6 stars. Not a great difference and I do not expect most people buy both before they do a review.

Rather than pick between Flir and Seek, I suggest you get the pro model of either Flir or Seek as they both provide performance above that of either entry level thermal camera iPhone module.

At the end of the day, my experience is that it is difficult to see some thermal camera images, so the Flir MSX technology plus the ability to record the thermal image and the visible spectrum images separately, plus the drop test rating makes the Flir One Pro the best thermal camera iPhone module.

Tough call though as the Seek Pro has better resolution for thermal image-only performance.

My experience with Thermal Cameras

Well, I did mention about my first experience being with a Flir thermal imaging camera over 15 years ago. It is true back then I could not have imagined one day there would be several thermal camera iPhone modules, or for any phone that is. I mean, the first iPhone wasn’t released until 2007.

The first thermal imaging camera I used was the Flir PM695. Boxy and chunky it was – but still awesome!

We loved it because it was cutting edge technology. Now it is cutting edge to have a thermal camera iPhone module yourself.

It gives everyone an opportunity to have an iPhone IR camera! Well, everyone with a modern iPhone, that is.

I used that ol’ IR camera for work, preparing equipment inspection reports.

This is a sample report to give you the idea of the sort of things we would do with the thermal images. You can see the white phase terminal is hotter than the others. This is a high definition thermal image, but you can see if lower resolution it is very helpful to have the standard photo and identification of the object.

These days you can use them (as I already said) for DIY and wider variety of uses.

Incredible to think you can have a compact infrared camera in your pocket these days!

IR camera Uses

We found it a very useful tool. We used it for imaging electrical connections for faults and larger heat transfer equipment electrical thermography. iPhone Thermal Imaging’s can be suitable for this now.

You can even find blockages in pipes where the internal fluid is hotter or colder than the surrounding environment.

Note: this is only practical when the pipe is a good conductor (i.e. metal), the liquid temperature is significantly different to the surrounding temperature, and the blockage is significant.

No matter how many sensor pixels the camera has, there needs to be a suitable image for it to capture.

It’s very interesting to scan your computer internals too!

If you are going to do some serious liquid cooling on your high-powered overclocked computer, you definitely will have twice the fun with your own thermal camera iPhone module to take before and after thermal images of your computer hardware.

In addition, you can visualize any further incremental cooling (or clock speed) changes you make, to see if they appear to increase or decrease temperatures.

It is a tool you will always be able to find uses for, so why not get one today? Here is that link again.

Cool iOS Thermal Camera (re-) Imagined

This thermal imaging camera iPhone module is the sort of device that is so cool we would have (hypothetically) funded it on kickstarter or indigogo for sure.

However, they never needed to do that!

FLIR are well known industry leaders and have been around for decades. This company is not an unreliable or cheap knockoff.

The brand promises quality and years of extensive experience. As I hinted at above, I used a Flir thermal imaging camera over 15 years ago.

See the invisible

Yet still, imagine the crowdfunding promise: “Become a super-hero! See the invisible and have heat image vision without heat vision goggles with this heat vision camera module!”

Or, if they were a little more serious; “we have a thermal imaging camera module that fits in your pocket. It attaches to your iPhone. All this at a very low affordable price! Use your iPhone IR Camera to check your home’s insulation, computer cooling, and more! You can even do electrical thermography with this module that turns your iPhone into an infrared camera for electrical inspections!”

Professionals would line up in droves (and are – sales are in the hundreds of modules per month).

These are not just for the professional who needs a thermal camera.

All you would have to do is point out people who want to insulate their home could repay the cost of the module by the power bills one can save! People would have lined up with pledges a plenty.

So cool!

So useful for the DIY or repair-person. Everyone could use one somewhere!

Final word on iPhone IR Camera Modules

These are excellent and work well for an iPhone attachment. Most people will realize they are not top of the line IR cameras, but give you entry level and a professional version for your iPhone. Note that some objects are particularly difficult to view (such as plumbing in plastic pipes) so buy one knowing it cannot see through objects, it can only show you their surface temperatures.

I am happy to hear of your experience with each module in the comments below. [Sorry, comments are closed – Ed.]

Summary of Infrared Thermal Camera iPhone Module reviews

I first started using Flir thermal imaging cameras over 20 years ago. IPhone IR camera modules are readily available to the masses now. SEEK make an excellent iPhone IR camera module also, although some reviews suggest their app needs to be updated. If you have the money, it is well worth the incremental additional cost for the professional model of either brand – my preference is the Flir One Pro module.

The post Infrared Thermal Camera Modules for iPhone Reviews appeared first on TheTechMentor.com.

Here we list, review and advise our pick of the best computer network installation tool kit, ranging from sets that include your crimping and termination tools through to LAN cable testers (from your basic Cat5 and Cat 5e cable testers through to Cat6 cable testers – sorry I guess I should update for Cat 7cable), and of course a whole lot more.

At TheTechMentor.com we help computer techs and network technicians learn and earn more. I welcome additions to the list and any feedback good or bad in the comments below.

Many years ago a friend of mine, smiled and said with a glint in his eye, “He who dies with the most tools, wins!”

Read on and enjoy.

Based on feedback to TheTechMentor.com I know many of you want to strengthen your knowledge in computer networking. I’ll throw in some extra ideas for you too.

Legal Note: US FTC law require sites tell you as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases (we tell you this so you can decide how much weight to give our endorsement, though we aim to give enough information for you to make your own choice). Being an affiliate helps to keep this website online as many pages on this site just give free help. You don’t pay any extra (we prefer it if we can save you!).

The Number One Best Pick – My Preferred ready-made network Installation Tool kit

Fluke Networks installation tool kit with network cable tester, probe, crimper and more

We love the Fluke Networks tool kits of course.

If you can make the investment, the Fluke Networks MS2-TTK MicroScanner2 Network Cable Tester Kit with Cable verifier, IS60 Pro-Tool Kit and Probe will not disappoint.

Quality and usability is what you get, and it has the major items without any network cables, cable boots or other consumables.

It is practical to wear the key tools rather than carry them, with the Dur-a-Grip Pouch.

The whole tool kit is supplied in a carry case or woven tool kit bag.

If you get it with the woven tool kit bag, this is preferred as it has additional space for carrying more equipment and consumables.

If you are a pro, then this is highly recommended! We suspect you know you want one of these too.

Very helpful tool and if you are testing a lot of cables with long runs (or a big bundle of cables) then it is definitely worth the money.

Several of our past students have grown their business by installing CCTV networks, especially high end high def quality camera networks for security purposes.

This network installation tool kit is ideal for that.

The professionalism it brings to the job saving you time and allowing for faster quality work, and boosting your reputation is worth it.

[From the Editor: Sorry folks, the images in this article are no longer allowed to be showed as Amazon has changed their policy on that for these items. In most cases there is still a link you can click through on to see the images on the amazon website.]

Best Mid-range Price Cable installation Tool Kit

Mid Range winner: the Klein Tools VDV tool set

Updated for 2020.

The best mid-range network tool kit is the Klein Tools VDV Tool Set!

Klein tools do seem popular among colleagues.

This 6-Piece tool kit includes:

• Crimpers – good quality
• Punch-down Tool
• the Scout Pro 2 Cable Tester,
• Snips, and
• Carry Case.

The cable tester included can test not only data (RJ45), but also voice (RJ11/12) and video (F-connector) coax connections.

Though you might not have a need for the coax cable connection tester, it is not a bad option to have the ability to test them if you do install some coax cable (depends on your range of work, no doubt).

It gives a broader range of possible activities than the Klein Tools LAN Installation and Tester starter kit, which also is worthy of a mention.

• No consumables are included in either of these sets.

Best in Class – UbiGear Network Installation Tool kit

The best in its category including not just the punch down tool and probe but also screw drivers and some consumables, the winner is the Premium UbiGear Network Tool Kit.

UbiGear (Premium) – Network installation tool kit with premium network cable tester

There is pretty much everything included to make your own cables. Punch block tool, crimper, cable tester and consumables.

Some feedback is that the overall feel of the kit while solid, is not so much a professional kit.

But consider the following:

• Spring loaded rather than ratcheting grip can make a difference to some people.
  • In the end we don’t see it as an issue if you are looking to buy network installation tool kit for low frequency use as a professional or for home installation.
  • We say this because if for home you’ll find you can take the time regardless of whether or not you find it a little fiddly.
• If you are a pro then you will fall into one of two categories:
  • you may be used to a ratchet grip to allow you to readjust your grip etc. and not like it so much, or
  • you may find your skill level you can get it right in one go and don’t really need the ratchet mechanism.
• We don’t have an opinion either way. It’s good to know about it so you can decide.

Some indicate it seems more for those installing only a few networks. Certainly satisfactory for those installing LAN networks in small workplaces or at home.

Is the Premium Tester Worth it?

The remote tester is the premium version and as expected ‘does the trick’ and is very helpful. Is it worth the money for the premium tester? We say YES, we believe so.

Overall this wins the award of best in class because everything does work fine and the price is excellent.

More LAN Network Installation Tool Kits to Follow.

Introduction To our Network Installation Tool Kit List with Reviews

If you’re an experienced network technician you might just want to skim down to the parts that interest you. You probably want to check the list to see what you don’t have yet and pick up any ideas to make what you do easier.

I’m going to cover the essentials of what you need in a Computer network installation tool kit and present some of what I’d say are the best prepared kits available.

Where it helps, I set out the key features of each.

I want to make this list a handy reference so network installers can share it.

So, if you are an expert and I’ve left something out, please add it in the comments below.

This way this can be a growing, dynamic and updated reference.

Similarly if you are selling a different brand of tool kit; let everyone know. The more the merrier!

I’m going to cover a broad range of equipment, so I’ll also go through some of the very handy network testers and some network extender tools.

You are absolutely going to need a handheld network line tester and good options for a good meter are the Dr. Meter and any or all of the fluke networks tone generator and probe kits.

I’ve already mentioned the Fluke MS2 (Micro Scanner 2), so lets continue with related cable tester kits first.

Fluke Networks CableIQ Network Cable Tester Kit (CIQ-KIT) with Tone Generator

Fluke Cable IQ network cable tester kit (click to open image in another tab, and see video and pricing)

Only for professionals, this kit is specifically for the following: locating and tracing cables with Fluke IntelliTone digital signalling technology; documenting residential cabling systems are defect-free and TIA-570B compliant; cable qualification testing to check it has the bandwidth to support voice, 10/100/1000 Ethernet, VoIP, or CATV; mapping wiring configuration with distance to faults (yes!).

Of course you can also use it to test any copper cabling media (twisted-pair, coax, and audio cabling).

I mentioned mapping wiring configuration. The CableIQ graphically maps wiring configuration and shows distance to faults with intelligent Wiremap & TDR.

If you are a professional you will want to step up to the Fluke CableIQ functionality.

As the kit price is well over a thousand dollars, this kit is only for professionals who know what they are doing.

Having said that, you could target bigger and better paying clients with this if you buy and learn how to use it.

If you want to only get the cable tester then, just get the tester and probe only.

Fluke Networks MS2-KIT Network Cable Tester Kit with Probe

Fluke make great network technician tools including the MS2. Click to see more photos, pricing etc. (in a new tab).

This kit is only for professionals. It is a subset of the bigger kit above.

It is for the following: it displays cable length, wiremap, cable ID, and distance to fault on one screen (you really want this!) detecting 10/100/1000 Ethernet, POTS, and PoE; locating any cable or wire pair with Fluke IntelliTone digital and analog toning; testing all common cable types, including RJ11, RJ45, Coax (with no adapters required).

It has rubber molded enhanced grip with increased ruggedness.

The backlit LCD screen makes results crystal clear in any work environment

The magnetic strap attachment is handy to keep your hands free (and it keeps the tester safe from potential drops and accidents with the strong rare earth magnet).

Pricing is also only for professionals and worth every cent IMO.

Rosewill Network/PC Service Tool Network Tool Set

Rosewill network installation tool kit with pliers and no network cable tester (click to see in more detail in separate tab)

This is a brilliant all-in-one computer network installation tool kit.

If you are troubleshooting PCs or providing ongoing maintenance in addition to network cable installation, you will find everything you need in there as a network service tool kit.

True it covers more tools than your network-specific tool kit, with a host of pliers screw drivers and more.

It is supplied with the hard case in molded plastic.

Of all the many-in-one kits, this would have to be one of the more popular tool kits among our colleagues.

Important to note it does not have a network cable tester included. If you already have one that should be no problem.

It makes a very handy collection but without the network cable tester it can’t win our best pick selection.

At under 60 dollars (depending on where you find it) it can be great value. Check the price here.

InstallerParts 15 Piece Network Installation Tool Kit

Installer Parts network tech toolkit – Click to open in another tab, more images and pricing.

InstallerParts have a 15 Piece Network Installation Tool Kit and a 10 piece.

These are also very popular with colleagues lately.

The 15 piece toolkit includes a LAN Data Tester, 66 110 punch down tool, RJ11/45 crimper tool, 20-30 gauge wire stripper, 2 in 1 screwdriver and utility knife. They get plenty in the toolkit for the price.

The hard case is very good, and looks great. It is both lightweight and durable as you’d expect. It forms a great kit because each tool is encased in a durable mold with heat formed inserts to hold them firmly in their place during transport. Tidy.

In my opinion it is better than the soft cases with elastic (which can deteriorate after a few years).

I have found that it is important to ensure that molded cases have somewhere to get your fingers in under the tool, so it is quick and easy to get leverage under the tool to prize it out.

“They have thougth about that!”

They have thought about that and well designed for it, so no problem there. So the case is a notable bonus.

Quality of all items?

The knife and screwdriver are not considered the best quality by some, but you would not be buying this kit for the knife and screwdriver!

All I will say is do not throw away your existing handy knife (or knives) and screwdriver set (of which you probably already have a good one) when you order this collection of tools. 

(If you disagree, please say so in the comments.)

Having them there in the tool kit case will save you some effort to grab your better ones from another kit or separate tool bag from time to time I suppose.

This is a great choice for someone only needing to use it for a few jobs, and a professional who works on other things some of the time (i.e. not really doing full time network installation).

It’s been said the construction isn’t what you’d expect or demand from a professional kit that you use full time, and it makes some sense.

The price already tells you that. I don’t want to be down on this tool kit, don’t get me wrong.

They state it is professional grade, it is, and I just want to state my view for a couple of minor parts so you are not surprised.

Provided you know these things I predict you will be happy with it.

What we can say is the kit overall is better than fair-value for network installation, network cable repair and so on.

Network Cable Repair Maintenance Tool Kit Set 11 in 1 Portable Phone Cable Crimper 8P8C 4P4C 6P6C Connectors RJ45 RJ11 Cat5 Cat6 Cable Tester

This kit is one of the cheapest for what you get.

Basic complete Network Repair and Installation Kit (Click through for more images)

It has the necessary multi-function cable tester for testing telephone or network cables.

It has 1 to 8 plus ground LED lights (9V battery needed, so make sure you have those handy already).

Makes it Suitable as a network cable tester for the following:

• CAT5 cable tester and CAT5e cable tester
• RJ-45 cable tester kit, RJ-12 cable tester, and RJ-11 cable tester kit,
• 10/100BaseT cable tester, TIA-568A/568B, AT T 258-A;
• Necessarily also include a professional network crimper. Looks solid enough, in the usual 6P, 8P 4P arrangement.

As it is pretty low cost, you can use it to top up your existing network repair tool kit (we know tools can be lost on the job).

Maxmoral 6 in1 Network Tool Kit

This network installation tool kit includes network cable tester

This Network Installation Tool kit is from MaxMoral.

It includes LAN Network Cable Tester and a Professional quality Cable Crimper Tool.

Plugs included are UTP Network Cat 6 and RJ45 connectors.

Network cable connectors included are cable boots for RJ45 cable.

The crimper tool is made with heavy duty hardened carbon steel, and crimps your cables in the usual 6P 8P 4P positions.

It includes a stripper for either flat or round Cat5e and Cat6e cables.

There is a pack of 20 cable connectors (in 5 colors).

This one also doesn’t come with a carry case or tool bag.

That is fine for some people because they already have a suitable toolkit so what is the point of paying for another bag or box?

11pcs Network Combination PC Cable Wire Tester Crimping Cutter Punch Tools Kit Set

[Sorry, looks like this one isn’t at the link location anymore. You may still be able to find them in-store so we left our review here in case it helps. -Editor]

For now in case it help we have inserted the following kit.

Because the Tarechan Network Installation Toolkit is no longer available online, this link is for the Belong 11pcs Network Combination PC Cable Wire Tester Crimping Cutter Punch Tools Kit.

Disclosure: We have not yet tested this kit!

It looks quite similar. It could just be different branding of the same product!

In case you have one in your local store, the notes below relate to the Tarechan Network Installation Toolkit. And as I wrote above, the items appear to be very similar.

Everything is there in this kit. It looks pretty similar to the other tool set above.

The Belong Network Installation Toolkit. 11pcs Network Combination PC Cable Wire Tester Crimping Cutter Punch Tools Kit. * We have not tested this kit! *

It has a three pressure crimping pliers with the usual 6P 8P 4P arrangement. It contains a few crystal heads for a variety of cables.

As per the image, it has the 468 network cable tester for automated testing, fast testing of satisfactory connections etc.

It has the 501 stripping knife, and a whole lot more (click the image for a more detailed view on Amazon).

All held together in a simple but functional fold and zip toolkit. The toolkit is typical for this price range with tools held in their unique place by elastic straps.

This supplier I admit I am not that knowledgeable on, as we have not bought from them before.

So if you buy, please do us all a favor and please let us know in the comments below how it goes.

Which Bag to complete your Network tool kit?

Some of these kits don’t have their own bag or case as part of the set.

In any case, you might want to combine the tools from these sets into your own full tech and network tool kit with all your most-used tools.

We recommend (and use) the Kenneth Cole Reaction Show Business Laptop Bag as this is where you can keep your laptop and immediate tools.

It is a very professional looking tool kit, I believe.

The one I prefer is the brown leather. Looks great!

However, I warn you that for some reason this color is around double the price. (So check the black or tan to save some doe.)

If you have to buy another tool kit just because there is no carry case included, then that drops our rating of the tool set. For that reason, it drops out of contention for the review prize.

That said, it is great value for what it is.

Sorry, that is it for now, as this article is a work in progress. We add the other network tool sets we’ve looked over time.

We also revisit and update this review list every so often.

Related Tools

This list is specifically for network tool sets (though a few have a wider range of tools).

TheTechMentor.com has a very poplar post to help you build out a professional computer technician’s tool kit based on years of experience.

Click that link to check it out now (it should open in a new tab). It contains handy links for all sort of technicians’ tools and network cables. You can pick out any tool individually.

If you are searching specifically for a network cable tester, then this list sets one out for you among many other must-have tools. Do you have all the tools on that list (follow the above link to find out)?

Remember, “he who dies with the most tools, WINS!”

Oh wait, I did say I was going to provide some quick info for those wanting to get into doing more network installation and troubleshooting work.

Are You New to Network Installation, Repair and Troubleshooting?

If you’re looking for a toolkit because you are a beginner, you will be interested in getting started in computer networks and need some foundational understanding before you start trying to get some experience.

See and view a clear and useful guide to making an Ethernet patch cable here (opens in a new tab).

If you’re new to building your knowledge on computer networks then I recommend the CompTIA network plus book below (We have recommended Mike Meyers books before).

It’s very handy and as typical the CompTIA study course covers the basic knowledge or foundational knowledge that you need.

I know you may not intend to do exams and become a certified computer network technician.

However, this book does provide worthwhile knowledge before (and as) you start cutting and crimping.

For beginners, it is a book covering the basics and really is an essential network technician’s tool regardless of whether or not you intend to actually sit the CompTIA test.

Mike Meyers’ CompTIA Network+ book is a great way to leapfrog your computer networking knowledge. If your are learning it belongs in your tool kit! Click the cover image to check it out on Amazon.

Summary of Computer Network Installation Tool kit list reviews

Our favorite is the first one from Fluke Networks (which includes include one of the best network cable testers). It is a highly professional computer LAN network installation tool kit, with the best tools.

Klein tools have many options we like and we refer to two above. Highly commended is the UbiGear Network installation and repair tool kit, and we regard it as the best in its class.

The post The Best Computer Network Installation Tool Kits appeared first on TheTechMentor.com.

In the following article we cover how to recover deleted files from an emptied recycle bin. I show you some tools and the steps to take that can help you recover your files after you have emptied your recycle bin. I have some great links to closely related subjects too.

[This article has nearly 7 thousand shares on Facebook alone, and we last updated December 2021 – Ed.]

So, you’ve emptied your recycle bin and then realized that you’ve deleted a file that you still need.  If you act fast enough, you may be able to recover the files before the computer overwrites them with something else. It is not so much you need to act quick, but rather act carefully before you use your computer for other tasks that can cause permanent loss of your files.

Read on below for how to restore deleted files and for recycle bin recovery steps even when emptied.

You can click to jump to the most relevant section for you, including for Mac OSX (the fifth in-page jump).

Missing Recycle Bin
Recover Deleted Files
Recover Files Deleted from Recycle Bin after empty (Restoration)
How to Recover Permanently Deleted Files (Recuva)
How to Recover Files Deleted from Trash or recycle bin after empty on Mac

Missing Recycle Bin?

If your problem is not that the files are gone from your recycle bin, but rather your recycle bin is missing or appears to have been deleted, then this is a different problem and there is another article to help you. Click Here for ‘Recycle bin recovery‘ which covers this in detail.

Also see this guide if you just want learn how to recover your files from the recycle bin.

Okay, now on with this article.

Introduction

You are not alone; recovering lost files is a big industry. If you’re asking ‘can I recover or restore my data files deleted from my recycle bin?‘ then this article is for you.

I’m going to help you get your files back in this article and at no cost or low cost, if it is possible, so don’t worry.

As a computer tech it’s my job to remind you of one thing you likely already know is true:

I know you’ll groan but can I please just remind you to backup your computer every so often.

If you do, then recovering deleted files from an emptied recycle bin might not be a problem for you next time!

A good option is to have a second separate drive just for this purpose. You can read about our recommended options here.

Please decide today to get an external drive (or memory storage of your choice) and automate a backup of your files!

Alternative way to recover files when your recycle bin is empty

A good alternative to the software methods below is to use ‘File History’, which works if you have a recent version of Windows and if you have already set it up prior to losing data.

See this article to recover deleted files using File History.

This doesn’t require any third party software, so is ideal, with one big ‘if’.

As stated above the important point is IF you have already configured File History in Windows.

Get this – Start a good back up process!

For the general user, I’d advise to get an external hard drive of similar size that does the backup properly for you. Much easier than copying and pasting the files you hope are the recent ones, and avoids a lot of duplication.

I suggest the “Seagate Backup” models if you want it to do the backup management for you.

I last bought a 4 Tb drive because it was a few years ago that my digital photos and videos quickly took up more space than they used to! Next one will likely be three times bigger or more!

(The recommendations for back up external hard drives immediately below are affiliate links, you don’t have to use them but if you do and make a qualifying purchase within a day, we might qualify for a commission, which won’t affect your purchase price.)

See these HDD Drives with either backup or data recovery service:

Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive (around sixty bucks).

If you have a lot of videos, try the Seagate Backup Plus 5TB Portable External Hard Drive, (good medium capacity) with much bigger storage capacity.

The largest capacity we’ve seen in this range, is this incredible 18TB External HDD!

I own and like Seagate drives, but no, I’m not sponsored by them!

Recover Deleted Files

If you have simply deleted files and want to recover them, then you can restore them from the recycle bin.
Go to the recycle bin and see if your files are there.

If so, then click to select them and click the recover button.

Note: There are a few things to be careful of so that you do not make matters worse.

We have a clear article which shows you how to restore deleted files step by step (with screen copies to make it so easy to follow and avoid the hazards).

See how to recover deleted files from the recycle bin in Windows 10.

For most people, to recover recently deleted files, this is what you need.

If you cannot find deleted files in the recycle bin using the above article, then they may have been deleted from the recycle bin.

You’ll need to read on below to see how to recover files deleted from recycle bin.

I am not affiliated with any of the software provided below, these are the preferred options used by the author!

Recover Files Deleted from the Recycle Bin

One of my favorite quick recovery tools to recover files deleted from the recycle bin is called Restoration.

It’s a stand-alone Windows based file recovery program that allows you to restore deleted files even after they have been emptied from the recycle bin.

Restoration requires no install and because of this, you can put it on your flash drive and take it with you wherever you go. 

Here is exactly how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Download free Deleted file Recovery Software

Download Restoration (not an affiliate link) onto a drive other than the one that you want to recover files from. This is the first software program to try.

WARNING: There is an important reason not to write the downloaded drive to the same one you want to recover files from; if you write any more data to the same drive, the hidden but not-yet deleted files might be over-written and lose your data for ever!

I know sometimes you may be wary to download free software, but in this case I have done it for countless clients.

Perhaps you are worried about a recommendation for third party software (ie. nothing to do with you or me), but I reconfirm I have used it.

Also I reconfirm I receive nothing from them for the recommendation.

Step 2: Run Restoration and choose the drive to scan

Run Restoration. If you are using Windows 7 or Windows 8 then you may have to right-click Restoration and choose “Run as Administrator”.  Next, choose the drive you wish to scan. 

If you know the file name or at least part of it, type it into the “All or part of the file” box. If you don’t then just leave it blank.

You can check the box “Include used clusters by other files” but if this applies to the file you are trying to recover then it will probably be corrupt.

I’d try without the first time, then if you don’t have luck it could be worth a try with this setting in a second run.

You can now click “Search Deleted Files”.

Run Restoration and select the drive (top right) to recover deleted files on that drive. This is the latest version of Restoration, v2.5.14 (for 2020).

Step 3: Scan through the list to find the file that you would like to restore

When it is finished scanning you, can search through the file list to find the file that you would like to restore.

Once you find it, highlight it and click “Restore by Copying“.

See ‘Restore by Copying’ button near lower right hand side.

Step 4: Save your file (preferably to a different drive)

You will now be asked where to save the file. If you try to save it to the same drive you are scanning you will be asked if you would like to select a different drive so you don’t overwrite the original data.

Once you have finished restoring the file you should be able to open it.

Save your recovered ‘permanently’ deleted files. This is where it can be handy to have an external drive so you don’t risk overwriting data.

Alternative method on how to recover files deleted from emptied recycle bin

If Restoration can’t do the job then the next tool I recommend using is Recuva. 

Just like Resoration, Recuva is a free utility that let’s you undelete files after you have emptied your recycle bin. Why might you use it?

It has different scanning methods than Restoration including a “deep scan” feature to use when the standard scans aren’t working. 

Here is how to use it.

Step 1: Download free Recycle bin recovery software

Download Recuva (not affiliate link) onto a drive other than the one that you want to recover files from. Again it is important to avoid using the same drive to avoid over-writing the downloaded file over the top of hidden file data.

Step 2: Run the software and select file recovery type

Run Recuva.  You will be presented with a wizard to ask you what type of file you want to recover. 

If you aren’t sure then just choose “All Files”.

This will take somewhat longer.

However, you won’t know just what you can recover so it is probably the best option.

It might mean a longer nervous wait I’m afraid!

Step 3: Select from the recycle bin option

Next you will be asked where the files are located. 

If these files were deleted from the recycle bin then choose “In the Recycle Bin”.

Step 4: Start the scan

You are now ready to start your scan. 

This is also where you can choose to Enable Deep Scan if Recuva is having trouble finding the file.

Step 5: Choose the file you wish to recover

Once the scan has finished, you can now choose the file you wish to recover. 

Select the file and click the “Recover” button. 

Choose a location that is not on the drive you are trying to recover from, otherwise, you may overwrite your file.

This screenshot shows recovering data using Recuva version 1.48.982 whereas if you download now, there is a slightly more recent version.

Hopefully, after using these file recovery utilities, you now have your files back.

When you delete a file, Windows flags that space as usable free space again. 

Therefore, there is always the possibility that Windows has already overwritten the deleted file with something else.  If this is the case then Restoration or Recuva will not be able to recover your file or your recovered file will be corrupt. 

So the faster you act from the time you delete a file, the greater your chances are of recovering it will be.

While you are at it:

Now I hope you implement a better back up plan.

We have a lot of information about data recovery and recovery of deleted files on TheTechMentor.com.

We aim to supply helpful information for both MS Windows and Apple Mac OSX systems.

That seems like a great segue (segway) to deleted file recovery for Mac Computers. So, now on to the free and (semi-) free methods, for Mac computers.

Note: the article below is for how to recover deleted files from recycle bin after empty for your Mac (i.e. how to recover files no longer in your Mac’s trash or recycle bin if you find it is empty).

Alternative semi-free method on how to restore deleted files from recycle bin for Mac computers

I know you probably would prefer to know how to recover emptied trash on Mac.

In some cases people prefer to recover files without software (without additional software). I appreciate the desire, it seems everyone wants to get you download their software. You want to avoid the risk of addition undesired software or viruses.

This one though is worth it. It has been around for years and works just fine. You need not be concerned.

If you are using a Mac, then I recommend using the MiniTool Mac Data Recovery utility (not affiliate link).

Why do I call it a semi-free method to restore deleted files on a Mac? It will restore files for free up to 1GB. 

If the deleted files are larger than that then you will need to pay for the full version.

Use the link above to download it.

Recover deleted files deleted from trash using MiniTool’s Mac Data Recovery.

For more in-depth information on file recovery software and methods to recover from serious issues, check out How to Recover Data from a Crashed Hard Drive.

Your experiences

Please share your experience with Restoration, Recuva, or MiniTool software for emptied recycle bin recovery.

You can comment on software proposed within this article, or any other file recovery programs that have helped you retrieve deleted files.

Conclusion

Recovering files deleted from the recycle bin is possible in a number of ways. Which you chose may depend on your situation. You can recover deleted files from the recycle bin if you have simply deleted your files and need to get your files back. When you have emptied the recycle bin and you want to recover deleted files in Windows or Mac, it is possible.

You will need to use some data recovery software and the ones I show how to use above are free for most purposes!

The post How to Restore Deleted Files Even After Emptying the Recycle Bin appeared first on TheTechMentor.com.

Windows passwords are meant to keep unwanted users off your computer.  And because of this, Microsoft doesn’t make it easy to reset them when they are lost or forgotten.  In the following article I would like to walk you through using a tool to reset a Windows password when there is no other way into the machine.  This step by step method shows which files to download and gives you easy links to download the right one for your needs. It’s password reset time! This method also works on Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8. We have an up date link for the current version of windows below.

How to Use Hirens boot CD/USB for password reset

This is an excellent utility that you can create on CD or USB. Read on to find it to enable this password reset method.

If you need to reset password in Windows 10 see this article.

See our most recent article to show how to reset a password in Windows 11. As many of you might have older systems running Windows 7, NT or XP, but would liek to ue a USB flash drive rather than CD, you will find more detailed help relating to setting up the ISO on a USB in that related article.

For IT Services Providers

If you are in IT (and reading this page, there is a good chance you are!) then you might be interested in something I recently found out about.

It is called Atera, and it would be great for anyone with a small IT services business.

If you’re interested or want to learn more, click to learn more!

So moving on, here goes.

Step 1: Choose and download CD or USB software

Download Hiren’s BootCD (button at the bottom of the page).  Once it’s finished, double-click the zip file to extract it.  You will then need to burn the ISO file to a writable CD using a program like Free ISO Burner.

Alternatively you may want to put it onto a USB, since CD drives are becoming less common. It is possible. For that you will need to download ISO2USB.exe. This will ensure you copy  the content and manage the USB drive properly.

Step 2: Boot from the CD or USB

Insert the CD into the computer that needs its password reset and boot from it.  You may have to change the computer’s boot order in the BIOS in order to boot from the CD.

When using the USB or flash drive version, you will only see USB options in the list of devices. Make sure you use a blank USB, or one you don’t mind to reformat and lose all data on it.

Step 3: Select Mini Windows XP from the menu

If you boot from the CD successfully, you should see a Hiren’s boot menu.  Choose “Mini Windows XP” and hit enter.

This is the lite version of Windows XP.

This screenshot shows the HBCD menu we’ll use to initiate Mini Windows Xp, to perform a password reset. Don’t worry if your version is different, such as 15.2.

Step 4: Select HBCD menu to Launch the Program

Once the machine boots into the Mini Windows XP interface, click on the Start menu and select the “HBCD Menu”.  This will launch the Hiren’s BootCD Program Launcher.

Select HBCD Menu as shown.

Step 5: Navigate the menu to NTPWedit

When the Hiren’s BootCD Program Launcher opens, click on the “Programs” menu, select “Passwords / Keys”, select “Windows Login” and then open “NTPWedit”.

Step 6: Change Path to the Appropriate Drive

When NTPWedit opens, you will notice that there are no user accounts listed.  Because Mini Windows XP creates a virtual C drive to boot from, you will need to change the “Path to SAM File” to the D drive instead of the C drive.  Leave the rest of the path the same, only change the drive letter.  Once you change it, click the “(Re)open” button to list the accounts.

Step 7: Hit the Change Password Button

Now select the user account that needs its password reset and click the “Change password” button.

Using Hirens to reset password – selection of user (in this case it’s me, Casey!).

Step 8: Click OK

When the “Change password” window opens, leave the password fields blank and click OK.

Step 9: Save Changes

If the account is locked, click the “Unlock” button as well.  Now click “Save changes” and then click “Exit”.

Step 10: Reboot

You are now ready to reboot the machine.  Click the Start menu, select Shut Down, and then Restart.  If the password reset was successful then you should be able to log into the computer without a password. Bam! You’ve done it; Hiren’s boot cd password reset!

Well, hopefully. You have another option if not.

If the NTPWedit password reset method is unsuccessful, Hiren’s BootCD also contains Offline NT Password Changer, another good password reset utility.  This method is more advanced though as its command line driven.  If you want to try this method, simply choose “Offline NT Password Changer” from the Hiren’s boot menu instead of Mini Windows XP and follow the steps.

It’s great you can port this utility on a USB. For more great utilities, see my article that gives you 35 Portable Applications. Extremely handy and useful for computer technicians and those who like to do it yourself.

Summary of how to use Hiren’s boot USB to reset password

Decide whether you want to use the CD or the USB version. When using the USB version make sure you use a blank USB that you don’t mind to reformat and lose any data on it. It’s a great utility that I recommend elsewhere on TheTechMentor.com. Download the appropriate file from the CD or USB link above and install. Follow the steps above that show how to perform a Hirens boot cd password reset.

The post How to Use Hirens BootCD to Reset a Windows Password appeared first on TheTechMentor.com.