Reset the Windows Administrator password
Question:
Brief summary of XP nightmare below involving log on error problem.
1) Got an HP Pavillion laptop one year ago and NEVER had any problems until mysterious log on screen (box) started to appear a few months ago. I never assigned/used passwords (I am the only one who uses the laptop) and discovered just clicking the “OK” box was adequate.
2) I became annoyed by this unncessary step and attempted to eliminate this log on box. Found some advice that instructed me to RUN: controlpasswords2 and uncheck something. Very simple. After I unchecked the box I was told to enter/assign a password – which could have been Administrator password. I figured it would be OK to use/assign a password this ONE time………..but after that big mistake I could no longer get past the log on screen upon restarting even after entering the password:
Unable To Log On Due to Account Restriction
Attempted to boot into safe mode (don’t ask me why) but got the same log on block so I took out the drive and installed my back up drive. I now have the original drive set up as an external drive via USB in order to access/transfer a few items that were on the DeskTop. Maybe I can do some file/folder labotomy while it is a slave. I did find a reference to this technique but thought I’d give you a holler first.
Any suggestions (or links) on resolving this problem by doing a file/folder labotomy while hooked up via USB as slave……….or is there a safe mode remedy if I reinstall the drive?I may just reformat it despite the fact I don’t relish the prospect of reinstalling all my software………….. and downloading 1 year of security updates.
Answer:
There are actually a lot of programs out there, free ones, that will reset the administrator account on a Windows XP computer. You can use that to reset the admin password, then log back on to your Windows XP machine.After that, I’d recommend using the tool “Tweak UI” to set an automatic logon if you still need it. Easier to use, and does more cool stuff than just an auto-logon.One of many password reset tools: http://ebcd.pcministry.com/
The Tweak UI tool: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx
I may just reformat it despite the fact I don’t relish the prospect of reinstalling all my software………….. and downloading 1 year of security updates.
True, I feel your pain on that decision. However, keep in mind Windows is far from perfect, and sometimes actually performs better after a nice drive wipe and reinstall. Sort of a wiping-the-slate-clean process. And, of course, before all this work make sure you keep a backup handy!
