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General discussion

Password Lock Out

Mar 21, 2004 11:29PM PST

My neighbour was installing some software and accidentally shut off the power at an inopportune time and now he can't get into XP because it is asking for a password which he didn't have before. Any suggestions?

Discussion is locked

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Re:Password Lock Out
Mar 22, 2004 1:11AM PST

nasty on this it happened to me and the only way out was to reformat as i could not get into programs to roll back with restore

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Check with manufacturer
Mar 22, 2004 1:18AM PST

Some may ship with preset passwords, for example, Dell (I believe) ships with a BLANK password, so that even if the system asks for a password, you hit enter to get around it. I'd contact tech support. You could also consider booting with a Linux CD (if you happen to have one handy) so that if you need to reformat, at least you will have the opportunity to get in and back up some stuff.
Hope this helps

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Re:Check with manufacturer
Mar 22, 2004 8:02AM PST

Hi
At the log in screen hit ctrl,alt,delete twice ,like fast.
If a new log in screen comes up type in administrator.
don't type in a pssword.
hit enter.

If that doesn't work boot up and keep hitting f8 get to the boot prompt to safe mode.

Then go to control panel,user acounts and see if you can set up another account there and then reboot normal.

You should then be able to use your new account log in.

Maxie