Once logged in, change the boot state to Boot Thawed and restart the computer. You can now permanently reset your password.

Faronics Deep Freeze is a powerful kernel-level driver designed to protect workstation integrity. By redirecting all writes to a temporary allocation space (the thawspace), it ensures that a simple reboot wipes away malware, system changes, and configuration drift. However, this absolute security turns into an administrative nightmare when you lose or forget the administrative password.

Historically, administrators and technicians relied on third-party exploitation tools like "Meltdown" to bypass or recover these passwords. This updated guide covers the current state of Deep Freeze password recovery, the viability of the Meltdown utility, and authorized methods to regain control of your endpoints. Understanding the "Meltdown" Utility

Click on the Tools menu and select One-Time Password .

Look at the dialog box and locate the code (a unique alphanumeric string generated by the local installation). Copy or write this code down.

I installed Deep Freeze and forgot my password - Faronics Support Portal

If you have no access to the Console and the OTP method isn't working, the "updated" reality is that Faronics has tightened security.

If you can tell me you are using (Standard or Enterprise) and if you have access to the original installation file , I can help you determine the fastest recovery method .

Windows will boot up, but the Deep Freeze driver will fail to load its configuration file.

If the installation is a trial (no license key), setting the system BIOS clock ahead by 60+ days can force it into a disabled state. Support Ticket: For licensed, standard versions, submitting a ticket to Faronics Support is the only official method for recovery. Warning Regarding "Anti Deep Freeze" Programs Some older methods, such as (Anti Deep Freeze) or replacing Persi0.sys

Run the original Deep Freeze installation executable file ( DFStd.exe ). The installer will recognize that the software is disabled and will give you the option to it completely.

While Deep Freeze provides ironclad security, it becomes a major headache when an administrator or user loses the master password. Without the password, the software cannot be thawed, making it impossible to install new software, apply Windows updates, or modify the system configuration.