Cannot logon to XP

[sethmo]

Its a Compaq Evo N1020v laptop running Windows XP Pro. All the accounts are password protected and I have the original password. But the passwords do not work. I tried resetting them with nt_pass but that did not work, I am still locked out. I enabled the HelpAssistant account, but that did not work. In nt_pass it says that the Administrator and the Guest account both have blank passwords, but I cannot login in either of them. So why is it all screwed up? Could it have some kind of virus? Ive ran every idea I can think of, help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[hulksterjoe]

http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/

get your data off and reformat

 

[Astronutty]

I am downloading the UBCD now, Thanks... I have a PC which is missing some critical system files... hope to fix it up.

 

[SJConsultant]

Is this a standalone computer or was it part of a domain?

Makes a huge difference since using a password reset utility will only work on local accounts and not domain based accounts.

 

[QwertyJuan]

So in other words, click the drop-down box and pick the local machine and log onto that, instead of a DOMAIN that's not there!

That is of course if you say yes to what SJ has said.

QJ

 

[sethmo]

Well I thought that maybe it was but then I looked at the options, but theres no choice to switch between Domain or Local. So it has to be local? Unless theres a way to disable that option(Dont think there is though)?

 

[QwertyJuan]

if it is the local machine it will say so beside the option.... like

DOMAIN
junkycomputer (this machine)

QJ

 

[sethmo]

The only other option that it gives me when I click the "Options" button is the shut down button. Is it possible for the logon and users/pass to get corrupted? Would re-installing over the top of XP fix it?

 

[QwertyJuan]

if that is all that it gives, then it is not part of a domain....

QJ

 

[SJConsultant]

Is this XP machine SP2? , I am working on an issue where I've had to reset a couple standalone machines passwords. I'm thinking MS may have changed something to where the reset programs (paid and free) no longer function correctly on SP2 machines.

Time and more testing are required for me to be absolutely sure.

 

[sethmo]

Hmm not sure if it is SP2 or not. Even with the program nt_pass it said that the Administrator and Guest account have blank passwords. And I cannot get into either of those accounts.

 

[SJConsultant]

Hmm not sure if it is SP2 or not. Even with the program nt_pass it said that the Administrator and Guest account have blank passwords. And I cannot get into either of those accounts.

A program is not going to tell you what the current password is, most if not all of them will reset the password to something you know.

Check to see if it's SP2 .... Hint if you see a Generic Windows XP splash screen at bootup, and it does not display the version e.g. Home or Professional, then you've got SP2 installed.

 

[sethmo]

Ok, its SP2 then. So, what should I do? Re-install XP over the top? I really dont want to deal witht he mess of a clean install(need to save a lot of info).

 

[SJConsultant]

Ok, its SP2 then. So, what should I do? Re-install XP over the top? I really dont want to deal witht he mess of a clean install(need to save a lot of info).

At this point I can only tell you a reinstall may be the quick solution, I plan on working on my theory about SP2 this weekend to prove/disprove the password reset problem.

 

[sethmo]

Awesome, let me know how that goes. Thanks for all the info guys. Im going to install over the top of XP now, but of course I will let you all know how it goes

 

[sethmo]

Tested on: NT 3.51, NT 4 (all versions and SP), Windows 2000 (all versions), Windows XP (all versions, also SP2), Windows Server 2003 (at least Enterprise).

http://home.eunet.no/~pnordahl/ntpasswd/

Havent tried it yet, but I could have swore I previously downloaded this and tried it and no go. Just thought other people would have better luck.