Cant log on to windows

[cdh987]

My friend has a Dell Dimention 8100. She just bought it for $100 from a garage sale or something. The problem is that when I start the comp (it starts up fine) it goes to the screensaver, there is a small window in the middle of the screen called "Log On to Windows". It has a user name and asks for a password. I don't have the password. Can someone tell me how to get by this so I can set the computer up for my friend? Thank you very much in advance for any advice on this subject.

 

[wnied]

Type in "administrator" as the user name, and leave the password field blank. See if you can log in this way. If you can, once you get in, simply change the password on the account through user accounts.

~wnied~

 

[cdh987]

That was a good idea. I thought sure it would work, but no such luck. I tried Administrator and administrator, left the password blank. It says: "The sytem could not log you on. Make sure your User name and domain are correct, then type your password again. Letters in passwords must be typed using the correct case." Any more suggestions?

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Manual
According to your manual on page 65,
Clearing Forgotten Passwords
If you forget your user or setup password, you cannot operate your computer
or change settings in the system setup program until you clear the forgotten
password(s).
NOTICE: The following procedure resets all standard settings for your
computer. Before proceeding, record all current settings so that you can
restore them when you finish this procedure.
1 Remove the computer cover (see page 40).
2 Locate jumper PSWD on the system board (see page 43) and move
the jumper plug so that pins 1 and 2 are jumpered.
3 Replace the computer cover (see page 57), plug your computer into an
electrical outlet, and turn on the computer.
4 Press <Enter> at the Maintenance screen and then click Yes to clear
all passwords.
5 Press <F10> to save your changes and exit the system setup program.

Hope it helps.

 

[networkman]

If the screen the OP was referring to was a Bios screen, your solution would be grand, but he isn't so it's not.

 

[cdh987]

Yeah. I tired that, it didn't work either. If I cant get through this what are her (my friend's) options? Would she need to get a whole new operating system? I want to have something to tell her when I talk to her again.

 

[RebateMonger]

If you can't log on with any pre-existing User account, you'll either have to reset the Administrator password (there are a couple of Linux-based utilities that can do this to XP), or you'll need to re-install Windows.

There may be a built-in System Recovery Partition on that PC that can automatically restore XP to its orignal setup. Check Dell's manuals (available online at Dell.com).

Also, if you don't already have a Dell XP Restore CD, then call Dell and ask for one, so you can recover the PC if/when the hard drive fails.

 

[NikolaeVarius]

What about things like OPH crack?

http://elliottback.com/wp/archives/2006...ords-with-ophcrack-and-rainbow-tables/

 

[MadAmos]

Have you tried using the administrater account from in the safe mode to change the password? Try hiting enter when it asks for your pasword leaving it blank this has worked for me if there was no password specified on the original set up.

 

[wnied]

There is a program you can download for free called Rock XP. It allows you to boot to it and can clear ALL passwords on accounts within Windows. It also saves your activation information and can find your windows key for you.

Give it a try.
~wnied~

 

[Laputa]

Or try the super utility CD to change the password. Or maybe you can just login as Admin. with no password in safe mode and add another admin account. Then kill the other account if you can get it. Otherwise, it's probably a good idea to reload.

 

[marulee]

Originally posted by: MagnusTheBrewer
Manual
According to your manual on page 65,
Clearing Forgotten Passwords
If you forget your user or setup password, you cannot operate your computer
or change settings in the system setup program until you clear the forgotten
password(s).
NOTICE: The following procedure resets all standard settings for your
computer. Before proceeding, record all current settings so that you can
restore them when you finish this procedure.
1 Remove the computer cover (see page 40).
2 Locate jumper PSWD on the system board (see page 43) and move
the jumper plug so that pins 1 and 2 are jumpered.
3 Replace the computer cover (see page 57), plug your computer into an
electrical outlet, and turn on the computer.
4 Press <Enter> at the Maintenance screen and then click Yes to clear
all passwords.
5 Press <F10> to save your changes and exit the system setup program.

Hope it helps.

Are not we talking about operating system login dude?