It works with encrypted files (EFS) and password hashes. Here’s how with a step-by-step description of the initial Repair process included for newbie’s. Resetting a user's or administrator's password on some systems (like Windows XP) might cause data loss, especially EFS-encrypted files and saved passwords from within Internet Explorer. Think of a sentence that you can remember. A pass phrase is often easier to remember than a simple password, as well as longer and harder to guess. Combine letters, numbers, and symbols. Other important specifics include: Make it lengthy. Your passwords should be 8 or more characters in length; 14 characters or longer is ideal. An ideal password combines both length and different types of symbols. Create a strong, memorable password in 6 steps Use words and phrases that.