How to Recover a Windows Password with Ophcrack « Null Byte :: WonderHowTo

When Windows stores a password, it is done so by hashing the password in anLM hashand putting it in the Windows SAM file. In the scary moment that you lose your password, but don't want to pay some geek to have full root access to your computer, you need to recover it usingOphcrack. Ophcrack doesn't remove the password, or bypass it, it cracks the password hash usingrainbow tables.Ophcrack is favored to be used on a live CD medium. Windows has a security measure in place that disallows all access to the SAM file when the system is in use. To combat this, the partition and Windows file system must be mounted using a operating system that can load and run itself from memory. This prevents the Windows system from loading, and allows the SAM file to be read from.In today'sNull Byte, we are going to burn the Ophcrack medium to a disc, and run its tables against our Windows password to assess their strength.RequirementsA Windows installation on your hard driveA blank CDStep1Burn Ophcrack to a DiscWe need to burn our tool to a CD so we can boot from it and crack our SAM file.First, let's install some easy-to-use, free software to burn our ISO.DownloadFree ISO Burner.Download theOphcrack ISOthat corresponds to your OS.Open up Free ISO Burner and select the Ophcrack ISO file. Here is an example image from the website:Check offFinalize Disc.Set the burn speed to as low as you can. The slower the burn, the higher the quality it is. It also helps reduce turning CDs into a coffee coaster due to incorrectly burning the image.Click "Brun" (program typo).Step2Boot from OphcrackThrow the disc in your disc tray.Reboot your computer.Hit the button to get into the setup menu during boot time(variable f* key).Boot from the CD first.The software should have a popup window that runs the rainbow tables against your SAM file.I'm not sure how large Ophcrack tables are, but some people swear it has a greater than 90% success rate. I doubt it would on mine, with my ridiculous passwords.Please, come by theIRCand talk with me and other crew members! You can follow me onTwitterandG+to get Null Byte's latest updates.Want to start making money as a white hat hacker?Jump-start your hacking career with our2020 Premium Ethical Hacking Certification Training Bundlefrom the newNull Byte Shopand get over 60 hours of training from cybersecurity professionals.Buy Now (90% off) >Other worthwhile deals to check out:97% off The Ultimate 2021 White Hat Hacker Certification Bundle99% off The 2021 All-in-One Data Scientist Mega Bundle98% off The 2021 Premium Learn To Code Certification Bundle62% off MindMaster Mind Mapping Software: Perpetual LicenseImage viatintshoppeRelatedHow To:Recover Passwords for Windows PCs Using OphcrackHow To:Recover Forgotten Wi-Fi Passwords in WindowsHack Like a Pro:How to Crack Passwords, Part 1 (Principles & Technologies)How To:Reset or recover your Windows passwordHacking Windows 10:How to Find Sensitive & 'Deleted' Files RemotelyHow To:Extract Windows Usernames, Passwords, Wi-Fi Keys & Other User Credentials with LaZagneHow To:Lose Your Connection? This Add-On for Chrome and Firefox Helps You Recover Missing Text and Erased FormsSPLOIT:Forensics with Metasploit ~ ( Recovering Deleted Files )How To:Reset Windows Password with a Windows CD or a Linux CDHack Like a Pro:Digital Forensics for the Aspiring Hacker, Part 3 (Recovering Deleted Files)How To:Recover the Admin password on a Microsoft Windows 7 PCHow To:Recover your Windows password and wipe hard diskHow To:Recover a lost Administrator password in JoomlaNews:Solve your rar password recovery problemHow To:Sneak into Your Roommate's Computer by Bypassing the Windows Login ScreenHow To:Permanently Delete Files to Protect Privacy and PasswordsHow To:Permanently Erase Data So That It Cannot be RecoveredHow To:Remove a Windows Password with a Linux Live CDHow To:Recover Deleted Files in LinuxRainbow Tables:How to Create & Use Them to Crack PasswordsHow To:Carve Saved Passwords Using CainHow To:log on Windows 7 with username & passwordHow To:Recover Deleted Files in WindowsHow To:Bypass Common Windows Restrictions, Activate God Mode, and MoreHow To:Recover WinRAR and Zip PasswordsGoodnight Byte:HackThisSite Walkthrough, Part 4 - Legal Hacker TrainingHow To:How Hackers Take Your Encrypted Passwords & Crack ThemHow To:Bypass Windows and Linux PasswordsHow To:Reveal Saved Browser Passwords with JavaScript InjectionsSecure Your Computer, Part 3:Encrypt Your HDD/SSD to Prevent Data TheftHow To:Make a Gmail Notifier in PythonHow To:Add Ctrl+Alt+Delete to Windows 7 LogonMastering Security, Part 1:How to Manage and Create Strong PasswordsGoodnight Byte:HackThisSite Walkthrough, Part 8 - Legal Hacker Training