Who is handy with ms-dos?

In order to reset my windows log on password I have to go through DOS. I think my problem started because I have an old XP which was updated to Service Pack 3, and the configuration doesn't lend itself to a quick fix when it comes to resetting the password. I think that's how the problem first started. I had just changed my passwords for both the Admin and the one guest. But the computer accepted a long password which I used for the guest, and at log in it was obvious that it was two digits too long. Not enough space to input it in. However, I don't understand why it's not accepting my password for the Administrator, but I'm hoping to fix the whole problem by deciphering the example given.

Where brackets are necessary I've resorted to the following code words:
closed bracket: cb
open bracket: ob


NET USER
(ob) username (ob) password |*(cb) (ob) option (cb) (cb) (ob)/DOMAIN(cb)
username {password | *} /ADD (ob)option9cb) (ob)/DOMAIN(cb)
username (ob)/DELETE(cb) (ob)/DOMAIN(cb)

I've tried all kinds of combinations but I keep getting error messages.

This was my best guess: NET USER (ob)Dummy (ob)password | *(cb)(cb) (ob)/DELETE(cb) (ob)/DOMAIN(cb)

Any help would be appreciated.

First type: net user

To show names of user accounts

Then, if you want to change Administrator, type:

net user Administrator -------- the hyphens being your new password.

Do you have an XP installation disc? I'm pretty sure there is a way to access user accounts during a repair installation but will need to look it up.

I tried something similar with the guest but it didn't work. I'll try with the Administrator. I just got the impression that this form of Dos may have needed brackets.

Just type in the following:
NET USER Administrator *

it will prompt you for your new password and then to confirm the new password by typing it again.

You must be logged in with an account with Admin level rights to change the Admin password.. you cannot change it from the Guest account.

I might as well write all this down since security is the new normal.

Thanks everyone.