Windows 7 forgotten password

Boot in windows 2000 server CD
Repair and recovery console
Navigate to system 32.

You can also boot in to Linux and try doing it using file manager if you prefer a GUI

C:\Windows\System32\osk.exe is the on screen keyboard in accessibility options.  Rename it and then rename cmd.exe as osk.exe

ren osk.exe osk.exe.old
ren cmd.exe osk.exe

Reboot

Accessibility options

OSK will run CMD in administrator mode

net user username password

You can also add a user net user username password /add

Do not forget to rename osk.exe to plug the security hole.

Windows 7 Blank screen after first reboot

Okay, I am ABSOLUTELY SHOCKED after a ton of web searching that an incredibly SIMPLE solution to this problem exists, but no one on any of these forums seems to be capable of understanding and revealing the answer… SO — here it is:

1. Create a new Virtual Machine on your Hyper-V (Server 2008 R2).
2. Install Windows 7 from a DVD or an ISO file, whatever makes you happy.
3. On the final reboot of the install, you will, of course, get the above mentioned black screen.
4. Reboot the VM, but this time press a key to boot from the Windows 7 DVD (or boot from your ISO) so that you can get into the repair mode (recovery console/DOS prompt).
5. Type C: to go to the C (boot) drive of your Windows 7 VM.

Here’s the magic:

6. Simply type the following command at the recovery console DOS prompt:

bootsect.exe /nt60 all /force

7. type EXIT and then reboot the machine.

ENJOY!

Hiretrack NX backup

Also a useful way of running a script where the output gets put into a unique dated directory.

Here is a sample script:  In this case the backup is in a directory called backup on a USB hard drive called the E drive.

echo

echo Getting today’s date
for /f “tokens=2 delims==” %%a in (‘wmic OS Get localdatetime /value’) do set “dt=%%a”
set “YY=%dt:~2,2%” & set “YYYY=%dt:~0,4%” & set “MM=%dt:~4,2%” & set “DD=%dt:~6,2%”
set “HH=%dt:~8,2%” & set “Min=%dt:~10,2%” & set “Sec=%dt:~12,2%”
set “fullstamp=%YYYY%-%MM%-%DD%_%HH%-%Min%-%Sec%”
set “FileDestination=E:\backup\%fullstamp%”
echo Starting Snapshot Backup

md %FileDestination%

cd\

cd (Path to location of nxcommnd)

nxCommand /Type:cmdExecScript /Script:Backup.nxscript /Source:”XXX Hire” /Destination:%FileDestination%  /User:XXXXX /Password:XXXX

pause

Final option to repair Windows: Inplace Upgrade (From Technet)

An in-place upgrade is the final alternative before you have to reinstall the operating system.
Note that it takes the same amount of time to do the upgrade as to reinstall the operating system. Also, some of your customized Windows settings may be lost through this process.

How to perform a repair installation of Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2. Performing a repair installation will restore the current Windows installation to the version of the installation DVD. This also requires the installation of all updates that are not included on the installation DVD.

Note Performing a repair installation will not damage files and applications that are currently installed on your computer.

To perform a repair installation of Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2, follow these steps:  

1. Close all the running  applications.
2. Insert the Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 DVD in the computer’s DVD drive.
3. In the Setup window, click Install Now.
   
   Note If Windows does not automatically detect the DVD, follow these steps: 
    
   1. Click Start, and then type Drive:\setup.exe in the Start Search box.
      
      Note The  Drive placeholder is the drive letter of the computer’s DVD drive.
   2. In the Programs list, click Setup.exe. 
   3. In the Setup window, click Install Now.
      
4. Click Go online to obtain the latest updates for installation (recommended).
5. Type the CD key if you are prompted to do this.
6. Select the operating system in “Install Windows” page you want to Upgrade or Inplace.
7. Click Yes to accept the Microsoft Software License Terms.
8. On the Which type of installation do you want? screen, click Upgrade.
9. When the installation is complete, restart your computer.