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Question

Failed Ophcrack Boot, Now System Won't Boot

Jun 26, 2012 2:32AM PDT

I tried to boot with Ophcrack, and was met with a blank screen. Powered off then on, removed disk, then powered off and on again to restart system. System is not booting now, even tried safe mode, still just a blank screen.

Anything I can do to try to get the system to boot up?

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Sorry but I have to ask.
Jun 26, 2012 2:36AM PDT

Since NTPASSWD can reset that password in about 5 or less minutes and has done so for some thousand times for me, I am left to ask why OPHCRACK?

Maybe it's because folk want to guess the password rather than clear it? I can't guess but hope you can explain why you would use that crack.

-> Before we begin repair, let's read you got your files out.

And then let's hear about what Vista DVD you have. If this is a Dell, you see Dell allows a download if you forgot yours. -> http://forums.cnet.com/7726-13974_102-5325452.html?tag=posts;msg5325452

Bob

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No good answer for that...
Jun 26, 2012 2:47AM PDT

I would categorize my use of Ophcrack and not NTPASSWD as general ignorance, I haven't heard about NTPASSWD. I'm not that experienced, and I read some good things about Ophcrack, so I used it. I guess I should have come here first.

This is a Compaq Presario. You're saying that I need to re-install windows vista completely?

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That's a good answer.
Jun 26, 2012 2:54AM PDT

If you don't know, you don't know.

--> REPAIR of the OS varies with the tools at hand. I don't see any detail about what Vista DVD you have or if this machine came with just restore media (or the system where you create such.)

That lack of detail means I can only offer this as the cure.

1. Get your files out with help from
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/use-ubuntu-live-cd-to-backup-files-from-your-dead-windows-computer/

2. Then you are ready to restore to the factory load.

Some folk think what we read about repairing Windows applies to factory supplied Windows. It often does not because the OEM version is stripped of the recovery console and more.

In case you wonder why, it's simple. As the OEM must provide support they strip away features and commands we get in the full version since they would have to answer how to use the recovery console if they installed it or supplied it on the DVD.
Bob

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Maybe this will help?
Jun 26, 2012 3:43AM PDT

Sorry, this isn't my personal computer, and the org that maintains this computer has not kept track of anything that goes with it... all that I can find is a dvd+r that says "Vista Business" 32-bit.

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The fact it is a DVD-R means to me
Jun 26, 2012 3:46AM PDT

That's a RESTORE DVD so before you try it you save the files.

But it's not your PC so why not fix with the restore media and let their IT staff deal with the rest?
Bob

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Got system to boot...
Jun 27, 2012 1:16AM PDT

But I still have to try to find out the password. What's the info on NTPASSWD? Have any tips or tricks for a 'noob' using that crack?

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NTPASSWD is no crack.
Jun 27, 2012 1:22AM PDT

It resets the admin password and then we can get in. It's widely documented so I don't write a tutorial here. I will comment if a person gets stuck but frankly it's a 2 minute job here to use it.

But there are folk that want to see screen shots, step by step so I understand why folk ask.
Bob