Simon Taplin wrote: > On Windows 2000, Syskey is enabled by default, can I copy the .sam > file from \winnt\system32 after booting from bootdisk and then > running LC4 or do I need to run something else first. Just wondering > since I know Syskey is supposed to be 128 encryption. > > Simon
AFAIK, Syskey encrypts the SAM with 128 bit encryption, not just when Windows is running. With appropriate permissions, grabbing the SAM after booting from a bootdisk would yield the same result as grabbing it when you were logged in to Windows. The following is taken from a TechNet page: 'Syskey thwarts this attack by encrypting the SAM database using strong encryption. Even if an attacker did manage to obtain a copy of the Syskey-protected SAM, he would first need to conduct a brute-force attack to determine the Syskey, then conduct a brute-force attack against the hashes themselves.' I don't know quite what you're asking, but it looks like you mean how exactly would one get the SAM. Again, if you have appropriate permissions, one can merely copy over the SAM from '%WinDir%\system32\SAM' . If I've been unclear in any way, feel free to email me off-list so I can clear it up a bit. Pez Mohr [EMAIL PROTECTED] PGP Key: http://tinyurl.com/3rmk Fingerprint: 35F0 4088 BCA3 457C FDE4 3ABC 4E02 1AD7 9EBE 09FE