SAM file opened read-only, so changes cannot be saved!

If you are getting this error when trying to reset password with Windows/Linux Password Reset Cracker Bootable Live USB:

Try the following:

  • Locate the file (especially the letter of the drive to where Windows installation is mapped, on the screenshot image above it's X:\).
  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  • Run the following commands, pressing Enter after each command, considering Windows installation is mapped to X:\ as in above screenshot: 
    • takeown /f X:\Windows\System32\config\SAM
    • icacls X:\Windows\System32\config\SAM /grant administrators:F
    • attrib -r X:\Windows\System32\config\SAM
  • The commands will: 1) Take ownership of the file > 2) Grant full permissions > 3) Remove Read-Only attribute
  • Try running the NTPWEdit or another password reset tool once again.