Win XP new install

[mcsman]

Building a new box for my father (see http://forums.anandtech.com/forumdisplay.php?f=23) and want to use Win XP as Dad is 83, technophobic and slow to embrace changes. Went through the exercise of installing Windows and everything went OK, but the first time it booted up, when you are prompted to click on your name, it asks for a password.

Now, I don't recall setting a password during the install. I do remember entering his name for the account (the only account) but not a password.

So - how do we get into this absolutely "virgin" machine? And once there, can we eliminate the need for a password? He won't like the need to enter it everytime he wants to play Solitaire.

Dave

 

[lxskllr]

Did you try hitting [Enter] for the password? If that gets you in you can change the login settings in Control Panel, but I don't remember exactly where.

 

[mcsman]

That was the first thing I tried. It replies that "that domain......please see administrator for assistance" or something like that.

Try to do something positive..........No good deed goes unpunished.

Dave

 

[Ketchup]

Did you set it as part of a workgroup or domain?

 

[lxskllr]

I dunno. I haven't fooled with that stuff in awhile. You are in the enviable position of having a brand new install though. Maybe try reinstalling, and pay extra attention to how you set it up. I really don't remember any way of locking yourself out during install :^/

 

[mcsman]

No.

Straight forward, single user. No network.

I was hoping that, maybe, somebody would say "just start in safe mode, find the ??? file and delete the password. I dunno.

Can't go beyond the start up screen.

Maybe a reinstall? Pay closer attention as I go through that part?

Thanx for any help.

Dave

see your reply after typing this lxskllr

 

[C1]

Try this as an outside chance.
Type: "Administrator" (for the userid - dont include quotes) and just click okay (ie, with password field blank)

http://www.askvg.com/how-to-reset-recover-forgotten-windows-nt-2000-xp-2003-administrator-password/

 

[mcsman]

Thats just it - there are no options. In XP, the first thing we see is the welcome screen with a list of account names on the right. You are instructed to click your name, then are asked for you password.

In this case, there is only one account, named "Don" so the system goes straight to asking for the password. No "Hi", no "Hello", no kiss on the cheek. Just "Whats the password?"

 

[corkyg]

When asked for your password initially, just hit ENTER and move on. You are not required to have one.

 

[mcsman]

Wish I had tried something as obvious as that, Corky.

Went thru a complete re-install. Got to a point I don't recall seeing the first time thru, where it asks your name and company name, so maybe the system had burped the first time through.

Now, it has asked for an account name - gave it "Don" again - and went on to finish.

Now, when I fire it up, it doesn't even ask for an account name. Just goes straight into the desk top.

Its times like this that give me concerns about handing it over to Dad (Don).

Thanx for all the help people.

Appreciate it.

Dave