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Question

Trying to remove a user log on has removed ability to log on

Dec 4, 2013 2:55AM PST

Hi,

I was trying to help out my Mom on a computer my sister gave her a while back. Worked fine, but she didn't like the fact that as the only user she has to keep hitting enter to load into windows.

1. She does have ATI Catalyst driver which has been the cause on numerous prior computers I have owned so I thought this would be an easy fix. She is the only user of the computer so she wants it to directly log in to Windows without having to hit enter for the blank password

2. As I have done numerous times on ATI Catalyst infested computers that gork up the log in screen, I do the following:
Start - Run

"control userpasswords2"

Uncheck "Users must enter a user name ...."

Click OK

3. Problem should be solved... but a new headache appears. The computer now loads to a log on screen for Administrator. The password is NOT blank or password. I check with my sister who gave her the computer and she never had a password on it that she can recall.

-Safe mode/safe mode command prompt/Last known working config etc.... all go back to the log on screen demanding a password that shouldn't exist.

4 Solution? My sister did not apparently send the XP disc or I would attempt a system restore from the CD rom. I leave today and wouldn't have bothered with this 'easy fix' for the ATI log on spammage had I known that even in safe mode the administrator log on would not work if kept blank or typing password.
----Since I have to leave, I am planning on asking them to bring the computer to NY when they visit over the Christmas holidays. Best case I can restore to last working restore. Worst case, I format it with one of my own XP discs. I know of no other solution.

****Anyone know of another solution? Are there any other generic passwords besides blank or password on an old Compaq Presario?

Thanks in advance,

Dave

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
Just one idea.
Dec 4, 2013 3:00AM PST

Why not use NTPASSWD (free, widely discussed on the web and at most a 5 minute job) to reset that password and get in?

Sometimes folk want a lot of detail about NTPASSWD and I can't guess why. But let's say you want support and more. Head to www.lostpassword.com and have a credit card handy.
Bob

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At The Safe Mode Logon, Can You??
Dec 5, 2013 4:09AM PST

...simply type in your mom's user name, (the original user name your sister created, or the default name such as "owner", or something similar), type in the password your mother used, (or leave it blank if that was the case), then log in.. If you can then access things in safe mode, you should be able to change the settings you altered.

Hope this helps.

Grif

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You talking to?
Dec 5, 2013 4:14AM PST

I never added my mom on my laptop. But the issue is a real one and if you are following Windows 8 with its Restricted Boots, the issue looks to have ripened and acquired a new stench.

Let's hope folk learn how to make spare accounts before they discover this issue first hand.
Bob

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(NT) Oops.... Sorry, Talking to OP
Dec 5, 2013 8:54AM PST
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It worked
Dec 5, 2013 10:15AM PST

Hi,

I downloaded the program and other then a minor setback of installing to USB only to find the Bios too old to boot from USB, I made DVD iso and recovered. At first it was asking for a netware logon? but it disappeared when I made no selection and left at default none and hasn't come back. Had the computer working again before I left although I did have to put a few icons for solitaire, facebook etc.. which is pretty much the only reason my Mom uses the computer. Afterwards, Dad mentioned someone did some work on the computer and could have put in a password.
I will pay closer attention the next time I utilize "control userpasswords2" to eliminate the log on screen created by microsoft.net framework which gets installed with the Catalyst ATI driver (although it doesn't actually seem to be required to run the graphic card.)

Thanks for the help.

Dave