If you enter your password incorrectly when you attempt to log on to your computer, Windows will display a Reset password link under the password box. Click it to launch the Password Reset Wizard. When prompted, select the drive that contains the password key, and then type in a new password and password hint.

Though the Windows 7 wizard-based user-management tools are great and easy to use, some people will prefer the legacy tool, called 'Local Users and Groups'. This tool has changed little since its introduction in Windows 2000. To access it, right-click Computer on the Start menu, and select Manage. This will open Computer Management. From there, expand Local Users and Groups.

Creating a new user: Right-click on Users, select New User, and then enter the user name. Optionally you may supply a full name, description, and password. Click Create to make the account.

Modifying users: In 'Local Users and Groups', expand Users and double-click on the appropriate user name.