Locked out XP User Name and Password

[RichG.]

Hi,

Does anyone know how to solve this problem? I was changing some settings in a program called Style XP. it changes the themes, styles, etc. I was in the Log in section. I don't remember what I did, but when the computer later restarted, I was locked out of windows.

The screen asks for User Name and Password. This is a Home Edition XP on a laptop. I am the only one who uses it. I've tried rebooting, F8, etc.; XP Start up disk, and some other things, but I cannot even get a C: prompt. I've tried stock terms like Administrator, leave the password blank and some others.

I don't want to reformat my harddrive with the Recovery disk. Any ideas?

RichG.

[Raskolnikov]

I had a similar problem with w2k yesterday. I changed the computer name (cuz my co-worker was working on a sony vaio too-duplicate name on the network). after changing the name i had to restart then it locked the xp and asked me the admin pw. i restarted again and it didnt ask me the pw. Magic ? i donno worth to try. Computers are based on logic right ? They can be the most illogical things as well.

[RichG.]

Thanks, I'll try it. RichG.

[glc]

Try safe mode. That should give you the standard welcome screen with Administrator and your regular user name.

[RichG.]

Hi

I hit F12. It gives me choices. I pick Safemode with or without a prompt. Then a black screen appears that says SAFEMODE. The next screen after that is a screen asking for User Name and Password.

This really has me stumped.

Rich

[RichG.]

I never had set any User Name or Password. I have tried Owner, All Users, User1, my name, the name of the computer to no avail.

I have a recovery disk. I might have to use it and reformat the hard drive.

Rich

[Raskolnikov]

Safe mod - administrator or owner shouldn't ask you a pw . click on ? to see the hint for your pw that might have ring to something ? :S

[Raskolnikov]

If it comes to worst you can consider clearing your cmos. (i am giving this advice cuz you are saying you never had set a pw )

[RichG.]

I am a little bit rusty. Tell me how to reset the cmos. Any dangers?

Rich G.

[Raskolnikov]

http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=130260

This should help you. But remember when u reset bios options will come to a default. So you will have to set them again. like time boot menu and so on. Safe ? hmmm battery or the jumper options are safe. : D

Did you try googling this and make a list tho ?

[RichG.]

Hi,

Thanks for all the info. I am really not expertise at computers. I think googling means searching the web? And, to reset the cmos, I don't know how to do that on the this laptop. Any more help would be welcome.

Rich G.

[hobey19]

resetting the cmos is going to do nothing for the windows password, it will clear a BIOS password if you have one, but that is not your issue.

have you tried starting in safe mode, or, when you are at the login screen, hit ctrl-alt-del twice, and a login box will come in, and you should be able to type in Administrator or Owner with no passwords, and you should be able to login

craig

[Raskolnikov]

Yes search on web. Best and most common way to do it is to use google.com
Just type in your problem . You may find lots of useful info from microsoft too.

[rightcoast]

Yep Administrator or Owner and a blank password field is the Windows default, that should work.

[glc]

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