text: how do i access windows xp w/o knowing the password? i bought a computer and either need to completely reinstall xp ( i don't have the disc) or access through a back door. if you start it up in save mode, and then you don't know the password for the administrator account, or any other account listed there.. i'd say you should re-install. this os may be leaky, slow and generally bad, but this is one security measure you can't get round. try the obvious passwords though, and no password.   if you don't have a disk borrow one from a friend, colleague or whatever - so long as you have a product key you'll be fine with anything. and you could get a product key anywhere too.. but i can't tell ye, haha.