This post describes method used to crack/recover windows XP password by using Lophtcrack. Thus, it can be used to recover lost passwords or even crack administrator accounts.
Update: For cracking Windows Vista admin account click here. Even John the Ripper is a powerful password cracking tool...
Now this what m gonna share is old but still works well.
Reference: geekwithlaptop
There's a way to crack the password and it doesn't involve reformatting and reinstalling Windows. The solution is called @stake LC4 (formerly L0phtCrack), however since Symantec stopped development of L0phtcrack, I m going to let you in on a program called LC5. Just like L0phtCrack, LC5 attacks your Windows machine with a combination of dictionary and brute force attacks. LC5 can crack almost all common passwords in seconds. More advanced passwords with numbers and characters takes longer. The main purpose of the LCP program is user account passwords auditing and recovery in Windows NT/2000/XP.
How Lophtcrack works:
Windows NT, 2000 and XP passwords are stored as encrypted hashes. LC5 attacks these hashes with hundreds of passwords per minute. Eventually the correct password will be sent and then displayed to the screen.
Good intentions:
can find weak passwords within minutes. Sys admins can then change the passwords to make them more secure.
LC5 can be used to access computers of users who forget passwords.
In companies, it can be used to access computers of employees who have left the company.
Bad intentions:
Hackers can use LC5 to sniff passwords over networks.
Hackers can install this application onto a primary domaincontroller and steal hundreds of passwords within minutes.
Please note that I am not the author of this software. Be advised that if you use this software, you do so at your own risk without any warranty expresses or implied by http://rajeshhackingarticles.blogspot.com
Software License:
LCP is a freeware program. The program may be distributed under condition of saving all files contents and structure of installation package.
You can check out other posts related to password cracking:
Change Admin password...
Enjoy HaCkInG......