Where settings are stored in windowx XP

[visweswaran2830]

I want to know where the settings and username are stored in windows XP. Consider, I have created one user account with password protection. But I forgot the password for that user, Now how can I get the password for that specific user. I know to change password of any user through command prompt. But I dont want to change password and want to know. like these situation, windows has to maintain all info in some area. I want to know where it is stored and how can I access....

Note: Without using External software...

I just want to know, I am not a hacker...

[rski]

I'm not a windows specialist but I'm afraid that even if you find a place where password is stored (it is something called SAM file i guess) you will not be able to read it because it is hashed.

[visweswaran2830]

Here nothing to afraid, and second thing I knew that you are not specialist, & you can not. okay. Since I mentioned that I am not hacker .. I just want to know, how they keeping that username & password data thats all. Please Post only if you know answer or related to that, I asked generally, this query is not specifically for you..

[Studlyami]

Don't be so quick to judge. I would read rski post again as he gave you what the file is called where user names and passwords are located. Search google for SAM files and read up. Also read up on SAM files and windows hashing.